US: Adverse weather forecast to continue across northeastern regions through at least early Dec. 12

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of the northeastern US through at least early Dec. 12. As of late Dec. 10, the US National Weather Service has issued flood and flash flood warnings, watches, and advisories over parts of Connecticut, Delaware, eastern and southern Maine, Massachusetts, most of New Hampshire, New Jersey, far southeastern New York, southeastern Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Winter storm warnings are in place across northern Maine, northern New Hampshire, eastern New York, and Vermont. Winter weather advisories have been issued over most of the rest of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a moderate risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall for parts of southern New England and a slight risk from northeastern New Jersey northeastwards to southwestern Maine through early Dec. 11. A slight risk of excessive rainfall is in place across portions of Maine Dec. 11-early Dec. 12. There is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall across parts of the affected area through early Dec. 12.

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Where precipitation falls as snow, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and snowfall accumulations will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.