Storm to raise flood risk in parts of northeastern US into Tuesday night

Surging temperatures combined with soaking rainfall will elevate the risk for flash flooding and ice jams in the northeastern United States into Tuesday night.

Downpours and blowing spray from vehicles will reduce visibility and may slow stretches of interstates 80, 81, 90 and 95.

“At this time, rainfall does not appear to be as heavy as that which occurred during Jan. 11 and 12,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

During this period, extensive urban, flash and ice-jam flooding occurred across the Northeast.

“However, streams and rivers are running higher and more places had more snow at the onset of this thaw, compared to the start of the first thaw,” Sosnowski said.

The storm is forecast to bring 0.50 of an inch to 1 inch with locally higher amounts.

"The greatest risk of flooding is in upstate New York and New England, when either plain rain falls with surging temperatures or runoff from the rain and melting snow work into the river systems," Sosnowski said.

Ice-jam flooding could worsen in some communities and may spread into new areas into the middle of the week, even after the rain departs.

Those who live along unprotected areas of streams and rivers should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice in case of a sudden water rise.

Airline passengers in Boston, can expect delays from the wet weather as well as fog. It is not out of the question for a gusty thunderstorm to occur.

Gusty winds will sweep through the Northeast during and after the wet weather, possibly leading to tree damage and sporadic power outages. The gusty winds may also lead to airline delays throughout the region.

Substantial ice and snow is expected to unfold across northern New England, part of southern Quebec and southeastern Ontario into Tuesday evening.

Snow showers or a mix of rain and snow will swing through the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley in the wake of the storm.

The storm’s passage will mark the end of the latest surge of mild air. However, the chill that follows will not be nearly as harsh, nor as long-lasting as previous cold spells this season.

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