
Winter's Wrath Eastern Storm Cuts Power to Tens of Thousands as California Braces for Flooding
Winter's Wrath Eastern Storm Cuts Power to Tens of Thousands as California Braces for Flooding
Winter's Wrath Eastern Storm Cuts Power to Tens of Thousands as California Braces for Flooding
As winter unleashes its fury across the United States, a powerful storm system has left tens of thousands without power in the eastern states, while on the West Coast, California prepares for an atmospheric river that could bring devastating flooding to areas ravaged by recent wildfires.
Travel Disruptions Caused by Snow and Ice
The storm, which swept through Kentucky, Maryland, and points farther north, brought heavy snowfall to the Appalachian region. Iron Gate, Virginia, received over 14 inches of snow, causing travel disruptions across the region. Flights at airports were significantly impacted, with nearly 4,000 flights canceled or delayed nationwide.
Widespread Power Outages
The storm's impact was felt by hundreds of thousands of customers in Virginia and North Carolina. According to PowerOutage.us, over 190,000 customers in Virginia and nearly 16,000 in North Carolina were affected. Appalachian Power deployed 5,400 workers to restore power to affected areas.
Flood Threat Looms Large
As temperatures rise, the snow-and-ice mix is expected to become rain, posing a flood threat through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for eastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia, and other parts of the South.
Accidents on the Rise
Hundreds of accidents have been reported across the region, with dozens involving injuries. In Virginia, state police reported over 850 crashes on Tuesday and Wednesday alone.
California Prepares for Atmospheric River
Meanwhile, California is bracing for an atmospheric river that could bring heavy rain and flooding to areas recently ravaged by wildfires. Light rain began falling on Wednesday, with officials urging residents in affected areas to be prepared for potential evacuation orders.
Conclusion
As the winter season brings its challenges, it's essential to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. Whether you're dealing with power outages on the East Coast or preparing for flooding on the West Coast, prioritizing preparedness and resilience is crucial in the face of nature's fury.
Keywords Eastern storm, snowfall, power outages, flood threat, atmospheric river, California wildfires