Flooding and tornadoes on tap this weekend across eastern United States

We’re heading into the holiday weekend with February’s low-pressure frenzy still going strong across the Lower 48. After hitting California, a storm reborn east of the Rockies will deliver severe weather to the South and snow from the Great Lakes to New England Saturday into Sunday. A major late-season cold blast is also on the way after Presidents’ Day.

Weather Watch

Zelia makes early landfall. Severe Cyclone Zelia made a surprise hook into land almost a day early and well to the east of originally forecast. After attaining Category 5 status over water, it came ashore as a Category 4 with 130 mph sustained wind.

Flooding, tornadoes and snow — oh my! A multi-faceted storm is taking shape in the eastern half of the Lower 48. It will deliver a strong tornado threat to the South, a flood risk to the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, plus some snow across the northern tier.

Cold outbreak. An intense Arctic assault is on the way next week. Focusing on the central United States, many record lows are currently in play by Wednesday and Thursday.

Lightning links

Southern California dodges worst of mudslide fears as heavy rains hit region.

La Nina continues, but likely to die off in months ahead.

Trump’s funding freeze is wreaking havoc on climate science.

WTF Friday

In unsurprising but still upsetting news, the Weather Service is in the process of adopting Gulf of America as the way to refer to the oily bathwater south of where the Super Bowl was held.

The National Hurricane Center map and text below shows it off. Their changes went live Thursday.

At least the center won’t have to worry about being kicked out of White House briefings like the Associated Press, unless they are fired for no reason.

About

Weekday morning newsletter by a journalist/forecaster that connects weather and climate change dots while occasionally stirring the pot.

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