Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Unload in Western U.S.; Major Travel Disruptions Expected from Washington to California

According to the latest weather forecast, portions of the Western U.S. could expect heavy rain and wind this week, resulting in major travel disruptions.

(Photo : by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, California, on December 27, 2022

While some portions of the United States could receive heavy snow, Western U.S. residents could anticipate both rounds of rain and mountain snow that could continue until the end of the month.

While many Americans are now looking forward to 2022, the major winter storm last week caused widespread power outages, deaths and massive travel delays.

Although the forecast added that the weather could be better, weather agencies warned that the severe weather conditions could still cause travel hazards.

Residents in the Western United States should bring an umbrella as the storm could unload heavy rain, which could cause from small stream flooding to significant flooding.

Heavy rain and strong winds

AccuWeather's latest weather update (December 29, 2022) showed that mountain snow and heavy rain could unleash in the Western U.S. as many people prepared for the New Year.

AccuWeather added that the weather could result in challenging road travel from Washington to California.

The report said the storm resulted in widespread power outages in portions of California and Washington, reaching about 75,000 customers who had no power (as of Wednesday).

The forecast warned that the weather condition in California could expect rounds of rain that could result in flooding risks, especially in Northern California, Sacramento and San Francisco.

The much-needed rain could also benefit many residents and communities suffering from prolonged drought conditions.

On Saturday, AccuWeather's forecast showed that wintry weather conditions could occur. San Francisco and Los Angeles could expect more rain. Meanwhile.

• Dry to warm weather is also expected in Billings, Denver, El Paso, Dallas and Houston.
• Rain and thunderstorms could unload in Chicago, Kansas City, Memphis, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Washington and New York.
• Furthermore, milder weather conditions could unfold in Boston.

This week, it is expected that mountain snow could unload in Utah's Wasatch Range and portions of Denver.

From Thursday to Saturday night, AccuWeather said rainfall could unload in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Reno.

People traveling or planning this week should check the weather updates and airline status before booking and departing.

The weather conditions in the Western U.S. and portions of the country could stick expect significant travel delays.

Also Read: Rapid Weather Warmup To Unfold This Week in Portions of U.S. Providing Short-Term Relief from Extremely Cold Weather 

On the other hand, AccuWeather added that the weather condition on Thursday night and Saturday could result in flooding risk, snow accumulation, travel delays and potential avalanche, affecting portions of Redding and San Francisco.

• On Friday, the forecast showed that wintry weather could occur. Rain showers are expected in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Fresno.
• On the same day, snow could unfold in Elko, Salt Lake City, Cedar City and Grand Junction. Rain and snow could unload in Reno.
• Mild weather conditions could also occur in Phoenix, Albuquerque and San Diego.

For the rain and snow, it is expected that portions of Spokane, Missoula, Boise, Salt Lake, Redding, Portland and Medford.

Motorists are advised to watch for potential road hazards and be extra careful driving.

Related Article: How to Be Prepared When You Become Stranded During a Heavy Winter Storm

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