Flood alerts issued for over 50 million on East Coast due to heavy snow and rain

Flood alerts issued for over 50 million on East Coast due to heavy snow and rain

More than 50 million people along the East Coast are under flood alerts as a cross-country storm brings heavy snow and flooding rains to much of the eastern U.S.

Heavy snow is falling across parts of the Northeast Saturday morning, creating scenes of a winter wonderland from upstate New York into much of northern New England. There are seven states in the northeastern U.S. under Winter Alerts for this storm into the evening.

This storm brought 1 to 2 feet of snow throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Meanwhile, for most of the I-95 corridor, the storm is bringing rain, and plenty of it.

PHOTO: Flooding is shown at an intersection in Harrison, New Jersey, on March 23, 2024.

Flooding is shown at an intersection in Harrison, New Jersey, on March 23, 2024.

ABC News

A flood watch is in effect from Baltimore to Boston as a mass of heavy rain heads up the East Coast.

Winds will increase this afternoon for the Northeast and a wind advisory is in effect this afternoon and evening for more than 45 million in the Northeast for gusts between 40-50 mph.

Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected across a wide area, with locally higher amounts of 5 inches or more possible. All throughout the day, the risk for flash flooding exists.

As for timing, the rain has already begun, and will continue to fall heavily at times during the day Saturday and into the evening.

It’s certainly looking like a soggy Saturday for cities like Baltimore, Philly, New York and Boston.

PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, snow is shown in St. Albans, Vermont, on March 23, 2024.

In this screen grab from a video, snow is shown in St. Albans, Vermont, on March 23, 2024.

WVNY

By late Saturday night, the rain and snow will move out, leading to a dry and breezy Sunday across the Northeast.

Another spring snowstorm is setting up for the northern plains on Sunday and into early next week. From Montana to Minnesota, winter storm alerts are in effect as they look at the potential for a foot or more of snowfall.

As for the East Coast, there will be a few days of a break in the action before another large rainstorm threatens to soak an already saturated I-95 corridor by Thursday.

Flood alerts have been issued for over 50 million people on the East Coast as heavy snow and rain continue to pummel the region. The combination of melting snow and relentless rain has led to rising water levels in rivers and streams, prompting concerns of potential flooding in several states.

The National Weather Service has warned residents in states such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to be on high alert for possible flooding in the coming days. The heavy precipitation has already caused some rivers to overflow their banks, leading to road closures and evacuations in some areas.

In addition to the immediate threat of flooding, the heavy snowfall in recent weeks has also raised concerns about the potential for ice jams in rivers and streams. Ice jams occur when chunks of ice block the flow of water, causing it to back up and potentially flood nearby areas. This can be particularly dangerous as it can lead to rapid and unpredictable flooding.

Officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates. This includes having an emergency plan in place, staying away from flooded areas, and avoiding driving through flooded roadways.

The combination of heavy snow and rain on the East Coast is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. Climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense storms in the future, making it crucial for individuals and communities to be proactive in their response to potential flooding and other natural disasters.

As the situation continues to evolve, residents are advised to stay tuned to local news outlets and official weather sources for the latest updates and instructions. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves and our communities during times of extreme weather.