Northeastern US to face more downpours, local damaging winds, interior snow
A storm is blasting through the northeastern United States with damaging winds, heavy rainfall and interior snow through Saturday.
"A fast-strengthening storm will bring a range of impacts and likely lead to travel delays across the Northeast through Saturday," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Bill Deger.
"Of paramount concern is the threat for some street and poor-drainage flooding in metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, Connecticut, and Boston," he added.
Street flooding may be exacerbated where fallen leaves are clogging storm drains.
Totals since the rain returned on Thursday night will generally be 1-2 inches with locally higher amounts.
Motorists will have to use caution as the heavy rain can lead to reduced visibility and a heightened risk of vehicles hydroplaning when traveling at highway speeds. Leaf-covered roads can turn slippery when wet.
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The drenching rain has been accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms in some communities.
Wind gusts in excess of 70 mph were reported in northern Maryland on Friday night. Extensive damage occurred in the Mount Airy area with the roof blown off a store.
Strong wind gusts will not be confined to when it is raining as windy conditions on the storm's backside will develop throughout the Northeast on Saturday.
The winds can cause power outages, travel disruptions and tree damage. Such issues may become most numerous in New England, where winds can gust between 40 and 60 mph.
The gusty winds will also usher cooler air back into the Northeast, erasing the recent mild surge and allowing snow to return to the higher terrain.
Snow showers may occur and lightly coat grassy areas of the mountains from West Virginia to southern New York on Saturday morning.
A steadier snow may leave a few fresh inches in the mountains of upstate New York and northern New England during the day on Saturday.
The snow may fall hard enough for pavement to turn slushy for a time. Motorists should also remain alert for slick non-paved back roads.
Otherwise, the snow will be welcome by those eager for winter to start officially and the ski resorts that have already opened.
The storm is expected to depart the Northeast by Sunday, allowing the weekend to end on a much calmer and sunnier note.
While light jackets will be needed with temperatures set to rise not far from normal, the day will be great for shopping, NFL games and travelers. Runners and spectators at the New York City Marathon will also welcome the lack of strong winds and heavy rain.
Just be sure to turn your clocks back an hour before heading to bed on Saturday night to avoid not being late to Sunday engagements.
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