A strong storm system has unleashed its fury across the United States, bringing widespread hazardous weather conditions. It initially hit California over the weekend, where it generated thunderstorms, flooding, and heavy snowfall in the mountains. Now, as it moves eastward, this storm will spare few areas from its effects.

On Monday and Tuesday, the storm will make its way through the Central and Eastern states, posing a threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic regions are particularly at risk of experiencing flooding rains. Furthermore, New England is expected to face an unusually intense late-season snowstorm later in the week.

The clash between warm and cold air masses during the spring season often leads to the formation of volatile weather systems like this one. The storm initiated with an atmospheric river hitting the West Coast, resulting in continuous rainfall and flood watches in Southern California, including San Diego and Los Angeles.

Record-breaking rainfall was observed in several areas. San Diego experienced 1.30 inches of rain, setting a new record for March 30. Los Angeles received 2-3 inches of rain, with the National Weather Service issuing warnings of potential downpours of up to 0.75 inches per hour. Santa Barbara recorded 3.93 inches of rain, while the nearby mountains saw accumulations of up to 6.5 inches, leading to flooding and road closures.

Thunderstorms and hail were also reported in the Bay Area, causing a warning in Santa Clara County. The storm system hasn't spared the mountains either, with heavy snowfall blanketing central and Southern California. Winter storm warnings have been issued for the Sierra Nevada, where several feet of snow have fallen, as well as the mountains east of Los Angeles, where up to 8 inches of snow are possible.

While California continues to grapple with the effects of this storm, a new zone of low pressure is forecasted to develop east of the Rocky Mountains. This low, combined with warm and moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, will set the stage for a multiday threat of severe thunderstorms in the central states. The risk of tornadoes is heightened as the added high-altitude winds induce rotation within the storms.

On Sunday, there is a Level 2 out of 5 risk of severe storms from Missouri to southwest Virginia, with concerns over damaging winds and hail. However, the tornado risk is minimal. As the storm system becomes better organized on Monday, a Level 3 enhanced risk covers the area from Oklahoma City to southwest Indiana, including cities like Tulsa, Springfield, Joplin, and St. Louis. On Tuesday, the Level 3 risk zone shifts to Kentucky and western West Virginia, while a Level 2 risk extends from northern Mississippi and Alabama to the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Storm Prediction Center has identified eastern Kentucky into West Virginia as having the greatest tornado threat. Thunderstorms may reach the Mid-Atlantic by Tuesday evening, bringing a lesser tornado risk but continued chances of damaging winds. Nevertheless, a wedge of cool air could limit severe storm chances in the Washington-Baltimore region.

As the storm system progresses, a late-season snowstorm may be in store for the Great Lakes and the Northeast. On Tuesday night, rain could turn to snow as far south as Chicago and southern Michigan. By Wednesday and Thursday, a coastal storm may develop east of Long Island, bringing heavy snowfall to interior New England. While specific amounts are uncertain, some areas could see significant snow accumulations of at least 6 to 12 inches, especially in higher elevations.

As this powerful storm system continues its journey, authorities urge residents in affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.