Heavy rains and snow are affecting the Northeastern United States starting Thursday night, impacting cities such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Precipitation will continue through Saturday, with snow expected in higher elevations including Elkins, West Virginia; Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania; Saranac Lake, New York; northern Pennsylvania; and the Adirondacks.
Flight Delays Anticipated Across Northeast Airports
AccuWeather forecasts that rainy and snowy conditions will cause flight delays at major airports in the Northeast from Thursday afternoon through Saturday. Temperature drops will be significant across multiple cities including Boston, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Washington, Louisville, Richmond, Nashville, Raleigh, Atlanta, New Orleans, Tampa, and
Gainesville.
Storm System and El Nino Influence Weather Patterns
A brewing storm moving toward the Atlantic coast is prompting inclement weather from Tennessee and North Carolina through to Maine. This system combines with an ongoing strong El Nino event, characterized by warm Pacific Ocean waters, which is increasing moisture levels and elevating temperatures across much of the continental U.S.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that El Nino typically warms the globe and alters weather patterns, bringing additional moisture but also higher temperatures. Currently, no state or region in the lower 48 is forecast to experience below-average temperatures.
Winter Weather Outlook and Travel Impact
Private meteorology firms predict snow amounts to remain below
normal in northern cities such as Chicago, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, with Salt Lake City expected to see above-average winter snowfall. Snow accumulations of a few inches are forecast in the higher altitude areas of the Northeast.
Flight disruptions are expected to last through Saturday, with possible power outages in affected regions due to the storm conditions. The weather system is likely to reduce normal winter snow coverage in the Northeast as the storm delivers rain and snow during this period.
