We have a fairly powerful system that is delivering constant soaking rains to the Northeast and significant snow in sections of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine.
Meanwhile, behind our low-pressure system, severe Lake Effect snows are expected along the east/southeast beaches of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Where the thickest bands formed, we could witness more than 2-3 feet of snow in a short period.
Cold air will indiscriminately stream in behind that system, sparing neither the Southeast nor the Gulf States. Temperatures are expected to drop to near or below freezing throughout a large area, including areas of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings for tonight and early tomorrow morning in locations near the beaches named above. But first, we’ll have to deal with some scattered harsh weather.
As the cold front goes through, we may see some scattered heavy thunderstorms, some of which might be locally severe this afternoon and evening. Expect locally severe gusts, frequent lightning, hail, and brief heavy rain because these storms will be limited in scope and duration.
We also have freeze watches and warnings from southwest Texas to the northeast of the state, as well as upper Louisiana. Clear skies and light winds overnight will aid in the cooling process as temperatures fall below 32 degrees.