
Widespread winter weather alerts and warnings affect over 100 million Americans today as multiple storm systems create challenging conditions across the United States. The National Weather Service has issued warnings spanning from Colorado to Maine, with significant snowfall reaching 9 inches in West Virginia and disrupting scheduled activities in Washington, D.C.
Weather forecasts indicate a series of three storm systems will maintain winter conditions over affected regions. Maryland could receive up to 6 inches of snow, while New York City expects 1-2 inches. The South faces different challenges, with heavy rainfall from east Texas to southern Kentucky putting 15 million people under flood alerts. Additionally, 10 million residents from Birmingham, Alabama to Baton Rouge, Louisiana face potential tornado risks.
Air travel disruptions are already evident, with approximately 200 delays and 70 cancellations reported on the East Coast since early morning. A second storm system developing over eastern Colorado and the Plains is projected to bring substantial snowfall to the Midwest and Upper Midwest regions. Cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, and Detroit may experience snowfall rates of one inch per hour, potentially affecting evening commutes and causing school closures.
Specific snowfall predictions include 4-7 inches for Chicago, 4-6 inches for Detroit, and 3-6 inches for Kansas City through Thursday night. Officials have deployed a 400-person snow team in Kansas City, closed City Hall, and canceled schools. Local authorities are advising residents to stay home when possible.
California braces for what could be its largest winter storm of the season, with an atmospheric river event threatening flooding and potential mudslides in wildfire-affected areas. The state government has implemented extensive preparatory measures, including deploying protective barriers, sandbags, fire engines, and personnel across eight counties.
Arctic air continues to impact the northern regions, with North Dakota experiencing wind chill temperatures as low as minus 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This cold front is expected to move southward, bringing temperatures 25-35 degrees below seasonal averages to the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians by Friday.
As Gulf moisture moves northward, the southeastern United States faces additional challenges with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and tornado risks. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest expects coastal rain and mountain snow as the winter weather system affects the entire Western region.
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