Shipping delays possible as storms unleash snow, rain before the holidays
Time is running out to get a gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list, and upcoming storms across the U.S. could cause weather-related shipping delays.
With meteorological winter here, AccuWeather’s long-range expert Paul Pastelok was live on the AccuWeather Network to discuss the winter forecast on Dec. 9.
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, those who have yet to complete their holiday shopping may find themselves racing against both time and the weather.
AccuWeather meteorologists say several storms will spread rain and snow across parts of the country before Christmas, which could complicate shopping and shipping for people purchasing last-minute gifts.
A delivery man wheels a cart filled with packages across the snow covered streets in Boston, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Thaw before the holidays
Frigid air has been entrenched across the northern Plains, Great Lakes and part of the East Coast during the first part of the holiday shopping season, with snow-clogged roads slowing down deliveries for online shoppers.
Changes are on the way for these regions as Old Man Winter loosens his grip. While shoppers may find joy in the milder conditions, forecasters still warn that one or two storms can bring some rain and snow but without the extreme cold afterward.
Farther south, a couple of storms will track near the Gulf Coast with rain. "At this point, it looks [to be] mainly showers, but a few pockets of heavier rain are possible along with the chance for some thunderstorms," Pastelok said.
Multiple storms may also drench part of the West Coast during the week before Christmas, mainly focusing on Washington, Oregon and Northern California.
The storms are likely to stay north of Los Angeles, home to the country's biggest port. The favorable weather should benefit shipments arriving at the Port of Los Angeles ahead of the holidays.
A shopper passing by holiday decorations at the Outlets at Castle Rock Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, in Castle Rock, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Storms likely across US leading up to Christmas
Widespread disruptions for last-minute shoppers and early holiday travelers are possible for large areas of the country during the week of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
"A storm may be on the horizon with a change from mild to colder weather," Pastelok said of the forecast for the Midwest and Northeast. People in or planning to travel to Chicago, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, New York City or Washington, D.C., should keep a close eye on the forecast as the weather could be an issue around the holidays.
Pastelok added that it would be wet at times across the South during this timeframe, which includes Atlanta, New Orleans and Charlotte.
The best holiday shopping and travel weather is likely to be found across the Southwest and into the Plains, with largely dry conditions expected from Los Angeles to Denver. Conditions will also be good for viewing light displays and attending parades and other outdoor festivities.
However, the stormy pattern may persist, ushering in more waves of rain and mountain snow to the Northwest and parts of California.
Skiers across the West may find this to be an early gift as mountain snow will benefit many of the resorts across the region, especially those that rely on natural snow.
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Check AccuWeather's white Christmas forecast, which will be released on Monday, Dec. 16.
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