Thanksgiving Week Faces Threat of Severe Winter Storms Across the US

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, severe winter weather is disrupting travel plans across the United States. In the Northwest, a powerful “bomb cyclone” has already claimed two lives, while the East prepares for a significant rainfall event.

In California, authorities are grappling with the aftermath of a recent storm that led to fatalities and widespread flooding. Officials report that two bodies were discovered in Sonoma County floodwaters over the weekend. One victim was recovered from a swollen creek, and the other from a submerged vehicle nearby. Investigations are ongoing to confirm if these deaths are linked to the storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada, anticipating heavy snow accumulation of up to 4 feet, aided by strong winds. Snowfall is expected to peak on Monday and Tuesday, exacerbating existing challenges posed by flooding and mudslides from earlier rains.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure system will bring rain to the Southeast by Thursday, affecting major cities from Boston to New York. High winds are also expected in the region. Meteorologist Hayden Frank indicated that unless the system becomes significantly colder, rainfall is more likely than snowfall along the I-95 corridor.

For travelers returning home, conditions should remain favorable on Sunday, with no major storm systems anticipated. However, temperatures in the East are forecast to drop as they rise in the West.

In the aftermath of last week’s atmospheric river, significant rainfall was recorded in Santa Rosa, where nearly 12.5 inches fell, marking a three-day record. The recent storms have created hazardous conditions, prompting warnings to remain in place as additional rain is forecast.

Looking ahead, the Northeast will receive much-needed precipitation, which could alleviate drought conditions, although meteorologists caution it won’t fully resolve the issue. Drought-affected areas include New York and New Jersey, where recent wildfires have added to difficulties.

As another storm system approaches, forecasts predict heavy snow in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, with some areas in Pennsylvania and New York already receiving significant snowfall. Power outages, once affecting tens of thousands, are steadily improving across the region.

In West Virginia, the recent rain has positively impacted local agriculture and ski resorts, but the state continues to face severe drought conditions, the worst in two decades. Recovery efforts are underway as communities brace for the upcoming storms.