Dangerous weather does not stop for the holidays, and on Thursday, December 18, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued further winter storm warnings for the United States, this time for strong winds.
Multiple states have been identified as experiencing severe winds this week, with more forecast over the weekend. According to the NWS and AccuWeather, Washington has already witnessed wind gusts of more than 140 mph.
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“A gust of 142 mph was reported in Coldwater Ridge, Washington, as a storm brought powerful winds to the Pacific Northwest,” AccuWeather said 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 experiencing severe winds this week. In addition to Coldwater Ridge, other parts of Washington have experienced record winds, including Pigtail Peak at 114 mph, Pullman at 102 mph, and Alder Ridge at 99 mph.
Oregon is also seeing record wind speeds and gusts, with Mount Hood reaching 138 mph on Wednesday.
The NWS warns of severe winds moving through the Pacific Northwest and Northern Plains, noting in a post on X on Thursday, Dec. 18, “Millions of people from the Pacific Northwest to the Northern Plains to the Northeast are on alert today and tomorrow due to high winds. Keep a safe distance from huge trees during windy weather. Every year, several people are injured or killed as a result of falling branches.
The National Weather Service also warns of severe winds blowing into Wyoming from Thursday, December 18, through the weekend. The NWS in Cheyenne advised residents of the wind hazard, stating, “With strong winds expected over the next few days and near-record warmth returning tomorrow, be prepared to act quickly in the event of a fire.” When it comes to evacuations, consult your county’s emergency management and local authorities.
Weather Change for Other Parts of the Country
According to an NWS Climate Prediction Center study, the bulk of the United States will see substantially warmer temperatures than they did in December as the month comes to an end.
The Climate Prediction Center shows a warming trend from Tuesday, December 23, until the end of December. According to a Climate Prediction Center chart, 90% of the country is anticipated to experience higher-than-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.
