Major Storm Brings Flash Floods and Heavy Snowfall Across the U.S.

A major storm is sweeping across the central U.S., causing flash flooding, significant snowfall in New Mexico, and increasing wildfire risks in the West. Tropical Storm Rafael threatens Louisiana with excessive rainfall, while parts of the Northeast prepare for rain that may provide little relief from ongoing drought conditions.

A significant storm system is currently affecting various regions of the United States, bringing with it an array of weather phenomena, including heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and substantial snowfall across the Rockies. This early-season winter storm has resulted in exceptional snowfall accumulations, most notably over three feet in portions of New Mexico. Notably, Angel Fire, New Mexico, experienced 40 inches of snow in just 36 hours, while Las Vegas, New Mexico, shattered its previous record with 31.7 inches of snowfall, surpassing the former record set in 1958. In Colorado, snowfall totals have also been remarkable, including 28 inches in Genoa and 24.5 inches in Colorado Springs. Denver recorded a notable 19.2 inches, marking its third-largest November snowstorm to date. As the storm begins to subside, Winter Storm Warnings have been lifted in Colorado, paving the way for more settled weather. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rafael hovers in the central Gulf of Mexico, with wind speeds of 50 mph. Although this system is not expected to make landfall, it poses a threat of excessive rainfall, particularly in Louisiana, where forecasts predict up to eight inches of rain today, along with flash flood risks extending towards Kentucky. The storm’s influence is also generating hazardous rip currents along Gulf Coast beaches, with wave heights reaching up to seven feet. Despite ongoing wildfire threats in the western United States, conditions in California have improved, allowing for a temporary stall in fire expansion. Conversely, a Red Flag Warning is active across several northeastern states, where dry and windy conditions could exacerbate fire risks this weekend. Although rain is expected to reach the Northeast by Sunday evening, it is unlikely to alleviate the severe drought affecting the region significantly.

The article addresses the widespread impact of a major storm traversing the central United States, highlighting various weather-related challenges. It notes the unprecedented snowfall in New Mexico, the flash flooding risks extending from Louisiana to Kentucky due to Tropical Storm Rafael, and ongoing wildfire concerns in the western states. Additionally, it discusses the anticipated rain in the Northeast amidst ongoing drought conditions, creating a comprehensive overview of current weather patterns across the nation.

The ongoing storm system significantly influences weather across the United States, with concerns about flash flooding in the South, remarkable snowfall amounts in the Rockies, and heightened wildfire risks in various regions. Tropical Storm Rafael’s indirect effects compound these issues, presenting additional challenges, particularly in Louisiana. While some regions can anticipate rainy relief from drought conditions, the overall forecast indicates continued weather hazards throughout the week.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com