A new storm train will hit California and the Pacific Northwest with heavy rain and mountain snow in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The first in the parade of storms will strike the Golden State with Pacific moisture until Sunday night, March 19. The NWS weather forecast also highlight the occurrence of heavy snow in Sierra Nevada with wind gusts reaching 50 miles per hour.
For more than a week, California has experienced a cascade of torrential rain and thick snowfall, which led to widespread disruption and some residents trapped in their homes. The new series of storms are also similar weather hazards that the region has suffered since January 2023, wherein the Pacific storm train, driven by atmospheric rivers drenched, California in floodwaters and mudslides.
New Storm Train
PAJARO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 14: A car sits submerged in floodwaters on March 14, 2023 in Pajaro, California. Northern California has been hit by another atmospheric river that has brought heavy rains and flooding throughout the region. The town has been inundated with floodwaters since Saturday after a levee was breached along the Pajaro River.
US meteorologists recently used the term "storm train" to depict the occurrence of arriving storms along the American West from the Eastern Pacific Ocean in a consecutive manner. Based on latest weather forecasts, twin storms are heading towards California and the Pacific Northwest.
In its short-range forecast on Sunday, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) of the NWS stated a strong storm system on Tuesday, March 21, will impact southern California with high winds, in addition to the heavy mountain snow and rain. Related precipitation is expected in some parts of the Intermountain West, Rockies, northern Plains, and Upper Midwest.
The NWS - WPC outlook is valid from Monday to Wednesday, March 20 to March 22. During this period, power outages and cancellations or delays of flights are possible across the country.
Also Read: Pacific Storm Train Delivers Another Round of Rain and Snow to California
Potent Storm System
The US weather agency adds the next potent storm system set to impact California will bring the hazardous weather inland, with unsettled conditions mainly affecting the southern half of the state. Strong winds from the central California to southern California could result in tree damage and power outages, agency says.
Meanwhile, AccuWeather meteorologists issued a related weather warning but pertains to "dual storms" heading towards California, which is at risk of renewed flooding rain. The twin storms early this week can bring another round of precipitation, as the weather system first impact northern California followed by southern California.
Southeast Freezing Temperatures
Meanwhile, the NWS reported freezing temperatures in the US Southeast, forecasting that record-breaking cold is possible across the region by Monday morning. The agency highlights the potential occurrence of harmful freezing temperatures.
Citing the NWS, FOX Weather reported areas between the cities of Little Rock, Arkansas; Jackson, Mississippi; Atlanta, Georgia; and Charlotte, North Carolina could experience low temperatures ranging in the upper 20s. Nashville could also had its temperature plummet into 20 degrees by Monday.
Freeze warnings are in effect in the mentioned cities, while the weather authorities have issued freeze watches in areas of South Carolina and eastern-central Georgia.
Related Article: Pacific Storm Train Continues to Wreak Havoc in California, Atmospheric Rivers No End in Sight