Winter storm ‘rollercoaster’ brings snow and travel delays

White Christmas to be expected, AccuWeather predicts

AccuWeather has predicted that more towns and cities across the U.S. are likely to experience a white Christmas this year compared to 2023. For a Christmas to be considered “white,” there must be at least one inch of snow on the ground on Christmas morning. AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok noted that while the East Coast will see fluctuating temperatures ahead of the holidays, areas around the Great Lakes, including Erie, Pennsylvania, are expected to have snow on the ground.

The forecast suggests that higher elevations and regions typically known for a white Christmas are more likely to see snow, but the key factor for lower elevations will depend on temperatures during Christmas Eve and Day. The likelihood of a white Christmas is low along the I-95 corridor, including major cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., although there could be some rain or snow on Christmas morning.

Pastelok also highlighted that the recent up-and-down temperatures have made it challenging for ski resorts in the Northeast to maintain snowpack. However, conditions are expected to improve later in December, with colder air returning for better snowmaking opportunities between Christmas and New Year’s.

Snow map shows potential problems for early Christmas travel

Americans hoping to get a head start on holiday travel could have dangerous winter weather to contend with in the Northwest and Northeast this week as winter storms pose hazards across multiple states, according to forecasts from AccuWeather.

A map created by Newsweek shows the states expected to be impacted. Newsweek reached out to AccuWeather by email for comment.

Terrifying footage shows cars driving precariously on snow-covered road with dramatic drop

Terrifying footage shows cars slowly driving down a snow-covered road with a dramatic drop on one side.

Multiple cars appear to have skidded or pulled off to the side of the road closest to the mountainside during the snowstorm.

Visibility is limited for drivers in the video, as heavy snow fell in South Lake Tahoe in California over the weekend.

Winter weather warnings in 16 states as 20 inches of snow to hit

Fierce snowstorms will leave millions shivering as winter continues to batter swathes of the country—with officials being forced to issue winter storm warnings or advisories for 16 states.

The National Weather Service (NWS) released a series of alerts on Sunday night into Monday morning, with several set to remain in place until Tuesday. Some residents in Alaska have even been warned of the risk of frostbite due to the bitterly cold conditions there. Travel will be difficult for many areas impacted by the snow, which may see accumulations of up to 20 inches in some areas, and drivers should beware that the roads may be “hazardous,” the forecasters said.

The warnings follow a series of similar NWS alerts recently as winter tightens its grip across the U.S. Some areas have already suffered from whiteout conditions during blizzards, while storms have sparked power outages elsewhere. And the latest set of NWS warnings and advisories confirm that the bitter winter is showing no sign of easing off. Full winter storm warnings have been issued for areas in Wyoming and Oregon, while the NWS has issued advisories for 14 further states.

Read in full from Chloe Mayer on Newsweek.

Washington D.C. shives as temperatures plunge to 39F

Average temperatures in Washington, D.C. have dropped to 39F – four percent lower than is typical for this time of year.

The district can expect a mix of rain, patchy fog, and partly cloudy conditions today, with temperatures ranging from lows of 38F to highs of 49F.

The wet weather is expected to dry up through the week, which will be mostly sunny.

But it is also expected to get much colder, dropping to lows of 28F on Friday and 21F on Saturday, with chances of snow.

Severe thunderstorms and hail predicted for Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee

Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee are at risk of “severe thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said today.

There is also a marginal risk of hail as rain showers and thunderstorms batter the area, the NWS said in a post on X.

Record-breaking holiday travel expected as nearly 120 million Americans take to the roads and skies

Travel in 2024 is expected to close out with record numbers, as nearly 120 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. According to AAA, this would surpass the previous record set in 2019.

“The year-end holidays are a time to reconnect with loved ones and honor family traditions, with millions traveling by air and road to be together,” said Cyndi Zesk, senior vice president of travel for AAA Utah.

Tornado threat in Arkansas and Kentucky

The National Weather Service (NWS) is monitoring a tornado threat across northeast Arkansas into western Kentucky.

The cold front from the southwest meeting warm weather could create a tornado risk and lightning storm, the NWS warned in a post on X.

‘Series’ of atmospheric rivers set to hit US this week

A “series” of atmospheric rivers is set to bring significant precipitation and turbulent weather to the western United States this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

These events, described as “rivers in the sky,” will channel moisture from the Pacific Ocean inland, delivering heavy rain, mountain snow and potential disruptions across multiple states.

The NWS forecasts that the heaviest precipitation on Monday will target areas from Oregon and northern California to central Idaho and northwest Wyoming.

Coastal rain and mountain snow are already affecting the region, with snowfall totals of 4—8 inches common in higher elevations and over a foot expected for the southern Cascades in Oregon.

Read the full story by Tom Howarth on Newsweek.

Winter weather brings travel delays ahead of holidays

A storm system that brought an ice storm to the Midwest over the weekend has now moved into the Northeast, causing slow commutes and school delays on Monday morning. Snow has been reported in higher elevations, while the I-95 corridor is experiencing mostly rain.

Conditions are expected to improve by the afternoon. With the holiday travel season in full swing, travelers should prepare for potential delays on both the roads and in the air, as additional storm systems are expected to bring heavy rain and winter weather to the eastern U.S., possibly impacting Christmas travel plans.

Map shows where snow is expected in 30 states before Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, many across the United States are hoping for a white Christmas.

Data from Weather.us shows that around 30 states are due to experience varying amounts of snow in the lead-up to Christmas. Their interactive map lets users see how much snow is expected across the country each day.

The states on the northern border of the country can expect widespread snowfall. Large portions of the states between eastern Montana and Maine are expected to see between 1 and 4 inches of snow on Christmas Day.

States in this region likely to see significant snowfall include North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Read in full from Alia Shoaib on Newsweek.