On Christmas Eve, many residents across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions experienced a snowy awakening, as a weather system delivered light to moderate snowfall, covering the ground ahead of the holiday. Approximately 20 million people were under winter weather alerts, with areas along the crucial Interstate 95 corridor, including Washington, D.C., and New York City, reporting snowfall between a light dusting and an inch. In contrast, northern New England faced heavier accumulations, receiving between 2 to 6 inches in some locales, particularly in the mountainous regions of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, which were predicted to receive the most snowfall.
Travel on Christmas Eve encountered some disruption due to a nationwide ground stop issued by the Federal Aviation Administration for all American Airlines flights. This interruption was attributed to a “vendor technology issue” rather than weather-related concerns.
As for a white Christmas, the forecast appears pessimistic; the snowfall dissipated swiftly, leading to improved conditions by the afternoon of Christmas Eve, with forecasts predicting cold but dry weather for Christmas Day in the Northeast. The National Weather Service stated that temperatures are expected to become milder as an arctic high moves away and warmer air from the Ohio Valley sweeps into the region.
Meanwhile, significant rainfall has been affecting parts of the central United States, particularly areas in east Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and Arkansas, with reports of over 2 inches falling in some regions, causing flooding in low-lying areas. Rainfall is expected to reduce in intensity later.
In the West, a powerful storm system continues to produce heavy rain and mountain snow across California, Oregon, and Washington, with coastal areas anticipating up to 4 inches of rain and the Sierra Nevada facing the possibility of receiving up to a foot of snow. Residents are warned to exercise caution near coastal areas due to dangerous conditions, including severe flooding.
As we move towards Christmas Day, it is anticipated that this storm system will extend its reach, bringing additional snowfall to the Rocky Mountains while leading to more rain, wind, and snow across the West Coast.
In summary, this winter weather event has brought a mix of snow and rain to various regions in the United States, creating both challenges and picturesque holiday scenes. While the snowfall may not persist for a traditional white Christmas, the festive spirit remains strong as communities prepare for the holiday season, showcasing resilience in adverse weather.