Stormy Weekend Ahead: Floods, Tornadoes, and Snow

A powerful storm is causing trouble across the eastern United States. This storm has already caused major flooding in California and is now moving eastward. It will bring a mix of weather troubles, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and snow. The storm is expected to be at its strongest from Saturday night into Sunday. It will start to weaken on Monday, but lake-effect snow will continue to affect the Great Lakes region. The heavy rain is the biggest worry. A large area, stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast, could see more than 2 inches of rain. Some places, like parts of Tennessee and Kentucky, are at a high risk of severe flooding. The National Weather Service has warned that this could be a historic event, with life-threatening conditions. Tornadoes are also a concern. Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in parts of Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. These storms could produce strong tornadoes, especially in Mississippi. Nighttime tornadoes are particularly dangerous because they are harder to spot. The northern side of the storm will bring snow and ice. Snowfall is already happening in the Great Lakes region and will spread to the Northeast. Icy conditions are expected in parts of the Ohio Valley. This mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will make travel difficult and could cause power outages. The storm will also bring strong winds, which could knock out power, especially in areas dealing with snow and ice. Travel in affected areas will be challenging. After the storm passes, another round of cold air will move in, causing temperatures to drop significantly in the central United States. This storm is a reminder of how unpredictable and powerful weather can be. It's important for people in affected areas to stay informed and be prepared.