Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Potential Flooding
The U.S. East Coast is preparing for a turbulent stretch of weather due to a combination of an atmospheric river and a possible bomb cyclone. The storm is expected to unleash heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding from Tuesday night through Wednesday. Forecasts warn of damaging winds exceeding 60 mph (97 kph) in certain areas, increasing the likelihood of power outages caused by downed trees and utility lines.
According to Derek Schroeter, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, an atmospheric river—a long, moisture-rich band of water vapor—will play a major role in driving the storm. The system is expected to pull moisture from the Atlantic Ocean off the Southeast coast and transport it northward, intensifying conditions in New England. This could result in freezing rain, heavy downpours, and unseasonably warm temperatures, all occurring within a single day
Multi-Faceted Storm Hits New England
New England, particularly Maine, is set to face the brunt of the storm’s impact. Schroeter noted that the region could see two to three inches of rain, along with freezing rain that could create hazardous travel conditions Tuesday night. As temperatures rise into the 50s (10–15°C), the risk of flash flooding and sharp rises in streams increases.
The storm could also undergo bombogenesis—a rapid intensification of a cyclone—creating what meteorologists call a “bomb cyclone.” This process could result in severe rainfall and intensify the storm’s overall impact across the Northeast.
Some areas in the region have already begun bracing for the weather. In Maine, schools operated on delayed schedules Tuesday morning after receiving a few inches of snow. In Vermont, a flood watch is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Montpelier officials advised residents to take precautions against mild flooding, urging them to elevate items stored in basements and other flood-prone areas. City officials remain in close communication with the National Weather Service and Vermont Dam Safety to monitor river levels closely as the storm progresses.
Ski Resorts and Travelers Prepare for Messy Conditions
The impending storm is also expected to create challenges for ski resorts and travelers across the Northeast. Southern Vermont’s Stratton Mountain Resort advised visitors to prepare for wet conditions, encouraging them to pack waterproof gear. “Make sure to pack your Gore-Tex gear because it’s going to be a wet one,” the resort posted on its website.
This storm, fueled by an Atmospheric River, serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of winter weather in the Northeast, where freezing rain, flooding, and strong winds can combine to disrupt daily life. As utilities brace for power outages and residents take precautions, forecasters urge caution on the roads and in flood-prone areas as the storm develops.
