Weekend winter storm: Messy wintry mix, heavy rain impacts

A winter storm is creating treacherous conditions across the East Coast today bringing everything from snow and ice to flooding rains and severe weather. Impacts will be felt by millions through Sunday.

A large and messy low-pressure system is causing trouble in the East today, bringing the most snow in two years for many in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are still active. Six to 12 inches of snow are expected along the Mid-Atlantic Appalachians through the Northeast for the rest of this weekend with some spots in the higher elevations picking up as much as 18 inches.

Up to a quarter inch of ice is still expected along the Mid-Atlantic Appalachian spine as this storm moves northeastward. Many areas along the rain-snow line, west of Interstate 95 in Virginia and Maryland, have experienced a little bit of everything Saturday, from rain to snow to freezing rain and to sleet.

A marginal risk for excessive rainfall is in place for those from north-central North Carolina through Long Island and coastal New England as the heavy rainfall continues. The low pressure’s counterclockwise turn is bringing plentiful moisture in from the Atlantic and temperatures are above freezing here – sorry snow lovers.

Some areas are experiencing a cold rain with temperatures just above the freezing mark. Hot chocolate anyone?

Isolated flash flooding is possible with the heaviest rainfall, especially in low-lying places and spots with poor drainage. If you’re headed out this Saturday afternoon and evening, pay close attention to the WeatherRadar and local guidance.

Florida is experiencing the severe weather side of this whole system, and a tornado threat is present this afternoon. As much as a slight risk for isolated to scattered severe storms has been issued and tornado warnings have also been issued as storms push across the peninsula.

Immokalee, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Melbourne are all included in the risks for severe weather this afternoon and evening. Expect calm skies to return in the late evening as the front moves southeast.