Washington / Texas – The United States is currently experiencing a period of hazardous weather. The country is being impacted by two major storm systems simultaneously. On one hand, moisture and remnants from Hurricane Polo are moving inland, while on the other, a Nor'easter has settled over the entire Northeast coast.
Consequently, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings indicating that certain areas could see up to 12 inches of snowfall and 6 inches of heavy rain; however, meteorologists have also emphasized that there remains significant uncertainty regarding exactly where the heaviest precipitation—whether rain or snow—will occur.
Where will 12 inches of snow fall? Heavy Snow Warning
While much of the U.S. is currently experiencing rain, this same moisture is falling as snow in mountainous regions. As moisture from Hurricane Polo collides with cold air, it is transforming into heavy snowfall.
The NWS has issued Winter Storm Warnings for several states:
1. Washington State: High-altitude areas like Mount Baker are expected to receive up to 16 inches of snow by Wednesday. A Heavy Snow Warning is in effect for the Mt. Baker Ski Area, predicting over 12 inches of accumulation.
2. Massachusetts and Alaska: Warnings for 6 to 12 inches of snow have been issued for Central-Western Massachusetts. Parts of Alaska could see up to a foot of snow.
3. Colorado and the Rockies: Moisture from Hurricane Polo is expected to bring heavy snowfall to high mountain passes in Southwest Colorado and the Central/Southern Rockies.
Meteorologists warn that mountain travel could be extremely hazardous, with the potential for zero visibility and road closures.
Where will 6 inches of rain fall? Risk of Heavy Rain and Flooding
The second threat comes from heavy rainfall. A Nor'easter has been lingering over the Northeast since last weekend, continuously drawing moisture from the ocean and generating rain. Flooding in the Northeast: Several states are already experiencing flooding. Roads are inundated, and high waves are surging in the ocean.
From the Southern to Central Plains: The NWS predicts rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, though some areas could see even higher amounts. The region stretching from the Southern to the Central Plains faces the highest risk.
North Texas: The weather department forecasts 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain generally, but *up to 6 inches is possible* in isolated areas. Such rainfall could trigger flash floods.
Baja California Sur (Mexico): The region where Storm Polo originated is expected to receive 6 to 12 inches of rain, while Sonora could see 4 to 6 inches (peaking at 8 inches), potentially causing life-threatening floods and landslides.
The impact of Storm Polo will now extend into the U.S. According to AccuWeather, the remnants of Polo could merge with another major storm system moving in from the Great Basin to form a massive hybrid storm system; this could bring beneficial rainfall to the central U.S. while also causing flash flooding in several areas.
Why is there uncertainty? What have forecasters said?
Meteorologists are confident that heavy rain will occur, but they are less certain about exactly where and when the band of heaviest rainfall will form.
The same applies to snowfall. If the storm's path shifts just 50 miles north or south, snow could fall where rain was expected, and areas predicted to receive snow might see only rain instead.
This is why the NWS has stated: "Early uncertainty in the forecast has resolved strongly toward an all-rain event, but minor changes to the predicted storm track could have major effects."
In other words, even a slight shift in the storm's path could significantly alter the outcome.
What should people do? The weather department has urged people to avoid traveling in mountainous areas, be prepared for flooding in low-lying areas, and keep an eye on local NWS alerts. Storm Polo remains active, and its moisture will continue to affect the weather in the US for the next 2–3 days.
