Two massive storms are pounding the US from Oregon to New York with a combination of snow, rain and high winds as millions of people take to the roads andskies ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Blizzard and high-wind warnings arein effect across the Western states including Oregon, California, Nevada and Idaho as a “historic, unprecedented” storm began dumping rain over the region, the National Weather Servicesaid.
“This intense storm will go on to produce widespread disruptions and potentially dangerous travel conditions across the Rockies and Great Plains through Saturday, before moving across the Great Lakes into the Northeast Sunday and Monday, “the center’s Weather Prediction Centersaid.
It’s also begun to dumpheavy snow– with some mountain ranges in eastern California measuring snow piles in feet Wednesday, the weather service said.
In Oregon, Department of Transportation officials reported whiteout and blizzard conditions,urging drivers in affected roadways to pull over. In Arizona, the weather servicewarnedof “impossible travel conditions” Thursday and early Friday with heavy and drifting snow.
Significant travel delays and road closures because of dangerous travel conditions were also expected across California, the service said.
In Santa Barbara County, officials warned that heavy rain could cause dangerous debris flows at and below the areas burned this week by theCave Fire.
“If you live or are near creeks and streams be aware that they may experience high flows and can rise quickly. If a debris flow occurs, and it is unsafe to leave, or you are unable to leave, go to high ground, “the countysaid.
Meanwhile, another major storm was making its way over the Midwest Wednesday.
Heavy snow and powerful wind gusts stretch to Northeast
That storm unleashed powerful winds and dumped snow and rain over the Plains Tuesday and moved over the upper Midwest Wednesday dumping snow from Nebraska to Wisconsin, CNN meteorologist Michael Guy said.
Parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan will see up to a foot of snow – with some areas receiving up to 14 inches, the weather service said in a statement.
“Gusty winds will also cause blowing and drifting snow, as well as reduced visibility causing whiteout conditions,” itsaid.
In Missouri, the weather service reported severe winds Tuesday night.
“Please (make) sure any loose articles around your house are secure,” itsaid. “If driving, 2 hands on the wheel!”
Winds drive fires in Oklahoma
The storm system’s winds – whipping Oklahoma to New York – have already had some disastrous effects.
In Oklahoma, officials reported at least 26 wildfires, activating the State Emergency Operations Center.
And as the fires forced some residents in two counties to evacuate their homes, more than 15, 000 others across the state lost power.
Strong southwest winds pushed a “rapid spread” of fires, the weather service in Norman, Oklahoma, said.
Late Tuesday, shifting winds hampered firefighters’ efforts and pushed a fire toward the town of Fargo, in the northwestern part of the state.
In New York, the fierce winds are even threatening to ground thefamous balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
CNN’s Joe Sutton contributed to this report.
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