Storm System Approaching the U.S.
A significant storm is on the way across the country, set to bring rain to millions, intense weather in the Deep South, and potential snow in the upper Midwest.
The FOX Prediction Center notes that a storm forming in the west could impact much of the nation by the end of the week.
Starting Thursday, rough weather is anticipated in the Southwest. A stationary area of low pressure over the Pacific Ocean is expected to be propelled into the Rocky Mountains by the jet stream.
This kind of system, described as a cutoff flow, is where upper-level energy becomes detached from the main jet stream until it is either pushed along or reintegrated.
On Thursday alone, parts of the Southern Plains could see up to an inch of rain, while states like New Mexico, Colorado, and even Minnesota may experience snow.
How much snow? Well, that’s still uncertain. The arrival of colder air from Canada could lead to increased snowfall totals.
As the storm shifts eastward, widespread rain will begin across much of the Midwest by Thursday afternoon.
There’s a risk of minor flash flooding in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on Thursday, extending to Kentucky and Tennessee on Friday.
Looking further south, a cold front will advance into the Deep South ahead of a significant low-pressure system, raising the possibility of severe weather.
Friday is likely to see the main threats centered in the Mississippi River Valley and Tennessee Valley. Those areas include southern Illinois, southeastern Missouri, southwestern Kentucky, parts of Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Alabama.
These storms pose risks for damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes.
As the storm system moves on, it will begin to fade across the Great Lakes and Northeast over the weekend. Gusty winds and snow may follow in the Great Lakes region.
Heavy rain is also expected to persist into Saturday, affecting states such as Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maine, and more across the Northeast.
Lastly, a cold front is headed toward the Northeast late Friday into Saturday, bringing showers and thunderstorms along with it.
By late Sunday, conditions across the U.S. should start to improve, with most areas expected to be clear as a new week begins.
