SIERRA MADRE, Calif. — A significant weather event is taking shape across the Eastern United States, as residents prepared for intense rainstorms and warm temperatures causing rapid snowmelt in the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. The lower Mississippi region is on high alert due to the potential for severe tornado activity.
Flood warnings have been issued for multiple states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Arkansas, with forecasters advising people to avoid traveling on roads during this dangerous weather. Parts of western Kentucky could see rainfall accumulations reaching up to eight inches, prompting concerns from the National Weather Service (NWS) about a potentially historic flash flood event.
For New England, heavy snowfall is anticipated, transitioning to sleet as the storm progresses, complicating travel plans significantly. Northern New York is bracing for a mix of rain, snow, and ice, with expected accumulations ranging from six to thirteen inches and wind gusts potentially reaching 45 mph (72 kph) Saturday into Sunday. The NWS has cautioned that this combination could lead to power outages and fallen trees, making travel nearly impossible.
In Southern California, recent severe weather resulted in mudslides affecting areas around the Eaton Fire burn scar. Residents found themselves digging out of sludge-covered roads following one of the heaviest storms this season, which caused debris flows and messy conditions in neighborhoods previously affected by wildfires. Although dry weather has returned, the continued risk of mud and rockslides on the burned hillsides remains a pressing concern, as post-rain dangers can still arise where vegetation capable of stabilizing soil has been lost.
During a storm on Thursday night, mud and debris cascaded down the mountains into Sierra Madre, trapping at least one vehicle and damaging several homes. Clean-up efforts began promptly, with bulldozers working throughout the day to restore access in the community of around 10,000 residents. “The noise was immense, and the vibrations were unmistakable,” recounted long-time resident Bull Duvall, describing the sudden impact of the debris flows.
Authorities issued evacuation orders for certain areas affected by the Eaton Fire, instructing residents that emergency services would not be able to assist unless conditions improved. Similar evacuations occurred during the Eaton Fire, which had already claimed 15 homes in the past.
Meanwhile, in Pacific Palisades, residents engaged in cleaning efforts as bulldozers worked to clear mud-covered roads, reminiscent of recent weeks when abandoned vehicles were left behind after last month’s wildfires disrupted traffic. In Malibu, a Los Angeles Fire Department vehicle was rescued from the ocean after being swept away in the storm, though the occupant emerged with only minor injuries.
Rainfall totals have been significant, ranging from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7 centimeters) in coastal regions and from 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters) in nearby foothills. This precipitation comes as a crucial relief for Southern California, which has been grappling with extreme drought conditions. Nearby Nevada similarly reported measurable rainfall in Las Vegas, marking the end of a frustrating 214-day dry spell.
The Sierra Nevada mountains received a substantial snow dump of six feet (1.8 meters) in just over 36 hours. However, the storm also led to a serious incident where two ski patrol members were caught in an avalanche while conducting safety assessments at Mammoth Mountain; one was successfully rescued and the other transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
Looking ahead, a cold polar vortex is expected to sweep through much of the U.S., marking the season’s 10th cold snap. As Arctic air pushes southward, meteorologists predict an initial impact on the northern Rockies and Plains this Saturday, with colder temperatures expected to persist throughout the following week.
In Denver, temperatures are forecasted to plummet as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius) over the weekend, prompting local authorities to maintain extended cold weather shelters to assist homeless individuals. The Denver Coliseum is set to be repurposed to accommodate those in need, with complimentary transportation options to ensure access to safety.
Skilovers hoping for an enjoyable long Presidents’ Day weekend will face travel disruptions as sections of Interstate 70 close due to snowy conditions, while officials warn of hazardous mountain travel.
