Dallas, Texas — Millions of Americans across more than 30 states are being urged to prepare for a prolonged stretch of unsettled weather as two powerful cross-country storm systems move from the West toward the East by late week, bringing widespread rain, accumulating snow, and a renewed threat of severe storms.
Forecasters say computer models are now in stronger agreement that two distinct areas of low pressure will emerge from the southern Rockies in quick succession beginning Thursday — a shift from earlier projections that had called for only one major storm.
According to federal meteorologists, this pattern increases the risk for repeated rainfall, flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, and winter weather, especially for areas already prone to weather-related disruptions.
First storm races east beginning Thursday
The first storm is expected to sprint out of the Southwest on Thursday, spreading widespread rain across the Southern Plains, including Oklahoma and North Texas.
A low-level severe thunderstorm threat will accompany this system, affecting parts of Oklahoma, North Texas, Arkansas, and southern Missouri from late Wednesday night into Thursday.
“This storm will move quickly, but it will still bring impactful weather to large portions of the central U.S.”
Higher elevations will experience colder conditions, with snow showers possible across parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona, particularly in mountainous terrain.
As the storm pushes east, a broad swath of rain is forecast to overspread much of the Midwest along with the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys by Thursday afternoon.
Forecasters warn that a low-end flash flood risk will develop across portions of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, including the Chicago metro area, where repeated rainfall could overwhelm drainage systems.
Severe weather threat expands Friday across the Deep South
By Friday, attention will shift southward as a cold front tied to the first storm advances into the Deep South, increasing the risk for more organized severe weather.
The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk, covering parts of Missouri, Arkansas, west Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.
This risk zone includes major population centers such as Memphis, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi; and Alexandria, Louisiana.
“Storms in this region could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, and possibly tornadoes.”
Residents in the threat area are advised to review severe weather plans and ensure they have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially during overnight hours.
Second storm brings renewed flooding and snow concerns
As the first system moves east, a second storm will take shape Friday in the Four Corners region, once again emerging from the southern Rockies.
This system is expected to track along a similar path, delivering another round of rain to parts of the Midwest and the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys — areas that may already be saturated from the first storm.
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center has placed Middle Tennessee and northwestern Alabama under a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk.
Both the Nashville and Huntsville metro areas fall within this zone, where repeated rainfall could lead to flooding of low-lying roads and creeks.
Meanwhile, snow will again be possible at higher elevations in the West and across portions of the Central Plains as colder air wraps into the system.
Rain reaches Northeast and New England by Friday
Rain from the first storm is expected to reach the East Coast by Friday morning, spreading into Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.
While widespread severe weather is not currently expected in the Northeast, forecasters warn that steady rainfall and gusty winds could impact travel during the Friday commute.
Air and ground travel delays may become more likely as wet conditions persist into the weekend.
Weekend brings washout for East Coast, snow in Great Lakes
By Saturday, rain is expected to linger across much of the Southeast as the second storm lifts toward the Great Lakes region.
Colder air wrapping into the system will bring gusty winds and snow to parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, northern Illinois, and northern Indiana, along with lake-enhanced snow near Lakes Erie and Ontario.
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At the same time, showers and thunderstorms are forecast to continue along much of the Northeast and New England coastline through Saturday, adding to an already soggy stretch.
Gradual improvement expected by late Sunday
Forecasters say conditions should begin to improve late Sunday as the storm systems move offshore and high pressure builds in.
Most regions are expected to dry out by Monday, offering relief after several days of active weather.
Still, officials caution that forecast details may change as the storms evolve, urging residents to stay alert to updated advisories and warnings.
How is the upcoming weather expected to impact your area? Share what you’re seeing — and how you’re preparing — in the comments below.
