Severe weather could seriously hamper post-holiday travel as millions head home
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Delays and cancelations were already reported at major airports in Texas and California. Heavy rain and mountain snow will move over the Pacific Northwest through the end of the week, as the latest atmospheric river event — a plume of moisture in the sky — brings moderate-to-heavy rain and thunderstorms to the region.
![[People brave the rain and walk along the Manhattan Beach Pier to watch high surf on Tuesday in Manhattan Beach, California. Damaging winds are forecast to continue near the coast]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/26/15/AP24359738016884.jpg)
Some areas could see as many as 3 inches of rainfall, bringing flooding in areas with the highest precipitation. While the storm system shifts inland, there will be a short break before the next round arrives Thursday night, with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain by Friday morning.
![[People cover up from falling rain on Tuesday in Dallas, Texas. Texas and the Gulf Coast will see heavy rain and thunderstorms this week]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/26/15/AP24359656238269-%281%29.jpg)
Forecasters have also warned about potentially damaging winds near the coast. As much as three feet of snow will fall in the Cascades and Olympic Mountains. Winter storm warnings are in effect there, with northern California seeing some advisories and lighter snow.
The northern Rockies and Intermountain West will also get “noteworthy” snow. While relatively mild conditions are forecast across the majority of the country through Friday, heavy rain and strong thunderstorms are expected to return from eastern Texas to Louisiana on Thursday.
