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Severe Weather: Floods, Snow, and Arctic Chill Hit U.S.

12/15/2025

31 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Weather Chaos Unleashed

Severe weather in the Pacific Northwest causes flooding and evacuations after an atmospheric river dumped over a foot of rain.
A winter storm blankets the Northeast, with New York City expected to get 2 to 2.5 inches of snow and about 1,000 flight delays.
Arctic air sweeps south, bringing dangerous temperatures across the Midwest and into the Southeast.
Floodwaters are slowly receding, but risks of mudslides and levee failures remain.

Right

Northeast Winter Storm

A significant winter storm will hit the Northeast this weekend, bringing the season's first major snowfall.
Snow totals span 1–3 inches from Indiana to New York City, and 3–5 inches in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia.
The storm is fueled by a polar vortex that allows cold air into the region.
Winter storm watches are in effect across Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as the system moves Saturday.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, which struck from March 11 to 14, paralyzed the Northeast with over 40 inches of snow and caused approximately 400 deaths. This storm highlighted the vulnerabilities in transportation infrastructure, leading to the development of underground rail systems. Today’s winter storms, influenced by atmospheric conditions like the polar vortex, continue to challenge preparedness in the same regions.

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Weather Chaos Unleashed

Severe weather in the Pacific Northwest causes flooding and evacuations after an atmospheric river dumped over a foot of rain.
A winter storm blankets the Northeast, with New York City expected to get 2 to 2.5 inches of snow and about 1,000 flight delays.
Arctic air sweeps south, bringing dangerous temperatures across the Midwest and into the Southeast.
Floodwaters are slowly receding, but risks of mudslides and levee failures remain.

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