Severe Weather Threats: Texas Faces Flash Flooding, Rockies Experience Snowfall, and Freeze Warnings Issued in Six States
ICARO Media Group
A storm system moving through the South is bringing severe weather conditions to various parts of the United States. Texas, in particular, is under the threat of heavy downpours that could lead to flash flooding. The central and eastern regions, stretching into Mississippi, are expected to bear the brunt of the downpours, with accumulations of up to 5 inches in localized areas. Given the saturated ground from previous storms, flash flooding is a serious concern.
In addition to the risk of flooding, these storms have the potential to be strong, bringing with them strong wind gusts and perhaps even some hail. While the tornado threat is low, it cannot be completely ruled out. Late Saturday and early Sunday morning, the Southeast may experience strong storms, which could result in damaging winds.
The threat of flash flooding persists from central Texas to central Mississippi on Saturday, and through the night. Residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
As Texas grapples with heavy rainfall, the Colorado Rockies are experiencing a different weather phenomenon - snowfall. The snow is forecasted to taper off on Saturday afternoon and evening, leaving accumulations of 3 to 6 inches in Denver and Boulder, while areas in the Rocky Mountain National Park may see as much as 4 to 10 inches. Closer to Cheyenne and Laramie in Wyoming, snowfall amounts are expected to be around 1 or 2 inches, with an added concern of freezing drizzle and freezing fog that may lead to icy conditions.
Meanwhile, six states, including Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, have been issued freeze warnings on Saturday morning, as temperatures are projected to plunge into the 20s. This warning primarily affects agricultural areas, as sensitive vegetation could be harmed or killed. Luckily, most farmers have just begun their planting season, so their crops should not be significantly impacted. The freeze warning is in effect for Saturday morning only.
Pittsburgh and surrounding regions in Ohio and West Virginia are under a freeze watch on Saturday morning, which is expected to transition into either a freeze warning or frost advisory for the evening and Sunday morning as temperatures drop below freezing. While temperatures will remain cold on Sunday, potentially triggering additional frost or freeze alerts, by Monday, the weather is expected to warm up slightly, with lows ranging only in the 40s from Minnesota to Omaha.
The cold air is predicted to move eastward, causing temperatures in Chicago to dip into the upper 30s over the weekend, and eventually reaching the northeastern region on Sunday morning, with temperatures in the 30s.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed about these changing weather conditions and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and well-being.