Winter Storm Warning Issued in Multiple States as 100 mph Winds Approach
Dangerous weather doesn't take a break for the holidays, and in that spirit, on Thursday, Dec. 18, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced additional winter storm warnings for U.S., this time dealing with heavy winds.
Multiple states are being singled out for having hazardous winds this week, and more states are expected to be impacted over the weekend. One of those states, Washington, has already experienced wind gusts of more than 140mph, according to the NWS and AccuWeather.
"A gust of 142 mph was reported in Coldwater Ridge, Washington, as a storm brought powerful winds to the Pacific Northwest," AccuWeather stated on X on Wednesday, Dec. 17, "causing power outages across the region."
NWS Warns of Dangerous Winds Across the U.S.
So, Washington is one of the states being hit with high winds this week. In addition to Coldwater Ridge, other areas of Washington have been facing record winds, including Pigtail Peak at 114 mph, Pullman at 102 mph and Alder Ridge at 99 mph.
Another state getting hit with record wind speeds and gusts is Oregon, with Mount Hood already experiencing 138 mph winds on Wednesday.
The NWS warns of high winds working their way through the entire Pacific Northwest to the Northern Plains, stating in a post on X on Thursday, Dec. 18, "Millions of people from the Pacific Northwest to the Northern Plains to the Northeast are under alerts today and tomorrow due to high winds. Keep a safe distance from large trees during windy conditions. Numerous people are hurt or killed every year due to falling branches."
The NWS also warns of high winds moving into Wyoming from Thursday, Dec. 18, through the weekend. The NWS in Cheyenne warned residents of the wind danger, noting, "With strong winds expected over the next couple days still and near record warmth returning tomorrow, be prepared to act quickly in the event of fires. Follow your county emergency management and local authorities for guidance when it comes to evacuations."
Weather Change for Other Parts of the Country
According to research from the NWS' Climate Prediction Center, the majority of the U.S. is looking at much warmer temperatures than they've seen throughout December as the month wraps up.
The Climate Prediction Center show a warming trend from Tuesday, Dec. 23, through the end of December. According to a map from the Climate Prediction Center, 90% of the country is expected to have a high probability of above normal temperatures.
"We are looking at a high probability of warmer-than-normal temperatures for the vast majority of the U.S., with the Plains and South likely trading the Snowman for a Sunburn," the NWS stated on X. They added that those hoping for a white Christmas will get it in certain areas of the U.S., noting, that the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and New England have a much better chance of seeing a classic white holiday.