US Winter Storms: More Snow and Rain Expected To Hit

Severe flooding in California and snow in Arizona are the results of the current winter storms all over the US, and it is expected that more snow and rain will come after a "false spring" was reported, with the cold weather expected to continue even further.

The National Weather Service reported that the storm system that impacted parts of California is heading east and is expected to bring "possible isolated flooding along the Mogollon Rim of northern Arizona." Rain is also expected to hit Utah, with lower elevation areas also getting more snow.

Light rain is expected in the eastern portion of Texas, with showers expected to spread across the Mississippi Valley by Friday, with a cold front slowly heading east, according to USA Today.

In the Plains region, as well as the Upper Midwest, snow is still prevalent, as 6 inches of snow is expected to blanket the area. This is caused by a system heading toward James Bay, Canada, and it is expected to bring heavy snowfall, with Montana possibly receiving over a foot of snow.

The areas from Eastern Iowa to northwestern Illinois are also expected to receive some rain showers with a few isolated storms. Residents living there are expected to deal with lightning, hail, and gusty winds as the primary hazards.

US Winter Storms Cause Snow in Arizona and Made California Muddy

Weird weather patterns have wreaked havoc in much of the US, including usually sunny California and usually hot and dry Arizona.

Arizona's northern portion recorded double-digits of snowfall, covering the area with over two feet of snow, and according to the Associated Press, more is expected to come. It was so bad in the area that snow, ice, and whiteout conditions forced partial closures of Interstates 40 and 17 in the largest city in northern Arizona, Flagstaff. Many residents anticipated these road shutdowns, however.

School has been canceled in some parts of northern Arizona, including Northern Arizona University. Meanwhile, in the state's desert regions to the south, flights from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were temporarily shut down for a brief period because of a low cloud ceiling. The ground stop lasted for around 45 minutes, delaying hundreds of flights as rain lashed Phoenix.

Over in California, the state finally saw some clear skies after days of wind, rain, and snow. However, this also made portions of the state very muddy, with destructive mudslides being reported around Los Angeles, which recorded 500 of them.

'Super' El Niño Has Arrived Amid US Winter Storms

The US is in the midst of El Niño, which has now reportedly attained "historically strong" status, according to federal scientists, who also warned that its counterpart La Niña will develop in its place later this year.

The weather pattern has caused much damage to the southern portion of the US, from California to Florida. USA Today noted that it is expected to last through April, only to be replaced by La Niña soon after.

With El Niño, there was an increased chance of above-normal tornado activity, with La Niña possibly boosting hurricane activity as well.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Tampa weather | Thursday morning forecast - FOX 13 Tampa Bay