National Weather Service update

As winter tightens its grip across the western United States, several states are now under winter weather alerts with the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting heavy snowfall of up to 18 inches in certain regions. The warnings, issued early Wednesday, highlight severe conditions expected to affect travel, infrastructure, and daily life in central California and parts of Nevada.

According to Newsweek, the Sierra Nevada range and surrounding areas are likely to see the most intense snow activity, with the NWS predicting that Central Sierra, mainly south of Interstate 80, will experience 12 to 18 inches of snow.

Story Highlights

Up to 18 inches of snow forecast for Central Sierra, California
Snow levels between 5,500 and 6,500 feet, heaviest overnight Tuesday
Nevada’s Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range to receive up to 15 inches
Mono County could see 12 inches along the Sierra Crest
Travel expected to be dangerous across mountain routes, especially State Route 229 and Harrison Pass

Snow Blankets Central Sierra

The National Weather Service has warned residents that snow levels will remain between 5,500 and 6,500 feet, with the heaviest accumulation expected late Tuesday into early Wednesday morning.

“Snow levels will be 5500 to 6500 feet, with heaviest snow accumulation expected off and on Tuesday evening and overnight, decreasing quickly by sunrise Wednesday,” the NWS said.

Travelers have been advised to take precautions as driving conditions may become extremely difficult. Steep slopes and high passes are expected to see the worst of the storm, with visibility dropping rapidly during peak snowfall hours.

“Travel in parts of the central Sierra could be very difficult,” the agency cautioned, urging motorists to avoid unnecessary movement during the storm’s most active period.

Nevada Faces Heavy Snow in Mountain Regions

Neighboring Nevada is also under a winter storm warning, with the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range in Elko County forecast to receive up to 15 inches of snow.

In its alert, the NWS Elko office said a strong “storm will impact Northern and Central Nevada from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night,” resulting in heavy snow accumulation and potentially dangerous road conditions.

“Periods of precipitation are expected throughout the storm duration,” the agency added, emphasizing that roadways such as State Route 229 through Secret Pass and Harrison Pass could become snow-covered and hazardous.

Motorists traveling through these regions are urged to check local advisories and carry emergency supplies.

Mono County and Western Wyoming Also on Alert

In Mono County, California, snow is also expected to accumulate heavily, with forecasts suggesting up to 12 inches along the Sierra Crest. The snowstorm could impact mountain communities and delay transportation routes connecting northern and southern parts of the state.

Further north, NWS Riverton in Wyoming has predicted widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next 48 hours, noting that rain and snow will mainly affect higher elevations in western Wyoming.

NWS Increases Awareness on Social Media

The National Weather Service has been actively using social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to raise awareness about the evolving storm system. Officials are urging residents in both California and Nevada to stay updated on weather alerts and to prepare for rapidly changing conditions.

“This afternoon through Wednesday night, Northern and Central Nevada will experience storm impacts with periods of precipitation,” the NWS Elko office posted Tuesday, along with a map outlining the affected zones.

Emergency services have also been placed on alert, and residents have been advised to limit mountain travel, ensure vehicles are winter-ready, and stock up on essential supplies in case of road closures.

FAQs

Will the Central Sierra experience heavy snow?
Yes. The Central Sierra is forecast to receive 12 to 18 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

How severe will conditions be in Nevada?
Parts of Elko County, especially around the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range, could receive up to 15 inches of snow and face very difficult travel conditions.

What about Mono County?
Mono County could see 12 inches of heavy snow, particularly along the Sierra Crest, where elevation and terrain intensify snow accumulation.

What is NWS?
The National Weather Service (NWS) is the official meteorological bureau of the United States responsible for issuing forecasts, weather warnings, and public safety alerts across the country.

Bottom Line

The NWS Winter Storm Warning serves as a reminder of how swiftly winter conditions can escalate across the western U.S. With snowfall totals reaching up to 18 inches, residents of central California and Nevada are urged to remain vigilant and plan ahead for potential delays, travel restrictions, and severe cold in the coming days.

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Sweltering heat gave way to sudden deluge this week as parts of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania braced for a dramatic weather twist. From record-breaking temperatures soaring near 100°F to warnings of flash floods, the region stands at the mercy of nature’s swift turn. The National Weather Service has placed over 50 million residents under flood watch, forecasting up to 4 inches of rainfall within hours. Roads, homes, and daily life now face disruption as torrential rains threaten to wash away the remnants of a blistering summer day.

🔴 STORY HIGHLIGHTS BOX:

Heat Records: 99°F at LaGuardia, 97°F in Atlantic City on July 30
Flood Watches Issued: 50 million+ residents under alert
Projected Rainfall: 3–4 inches widespread; >4 inches possible locally
High-Risk Areas: Central NJ, Eastern PA, parts of NYC Metro
Travel Advisories: NYC urges reduced travel; basement dwellers advised to relocate
Flash Flood Concerns: Potential damage to infrastructure and possible water rescues
Weather Shift Timeline: Improvement expected beginning August 1

As the mercury shot up to near triple digits across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania earlier this week, it seemed the region had been plunged straight into a furnace. But just as millions began to adjust to the oppressive heat, an abrupt and unwelcome shift arrived — one that now has forecasters warning of flash floods, heavy rainfall, and potential emergency conditions.

This fast-changing pattern, swinging from intense heat to severe storms, has left many feeling like they’ve gone from “the frying pan to a swimming pool,” with only a matter of hours between the two extremes. After setting daily heat records on July 30 — including 99°F at LaGuardia Airport and 97°F in Atlantic City — the National Weather Service began issuing flood watches as early as that same evening.

By the afternoon of July 31, flood watches were forecast to cover more than 50 million people across the region. The sudden onset of torrential rainfall is expected to drop as much as 3 to 4 inches in some locations, possibly more in isolated zones — all within a tight 3–6 hour window.

“There Is Increasing Confidence…” — National Weather Service

In a forecast discussion dated July 30, the National Weather Service (NWS) stated:

“There is increasing confidence for a period of moderate to locally heavy rainfall Thursday afternoon and Thursday night as a frontal boundary remains south of the region and a wave of low pressure travels along the front.”

Forecasters are closely watching the interaction between a stalled front and a low-pressure system riding along it — a combination that could set up an “axis of repetitive torrential rainfall and embedded thunderstorms” during the peak hours of July 31. While pinpointing the precise impact zone remains tricky, current models place the greatest threat over New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, with expanding risk into parts of Maryland and southern New York.

“Elevated Threat to Life” — Warning on Flash Flooding

The speed and intensity of rainfall are what make this event particularly dangerous. With rates potentially exceeding two inches per hour, especially in parts of central and western New Jersey, the NWS warns that flash flooding is not just possible but likely.

Officials caution that such heavy rainfall could overwhelm city infrastructure, flooding underground transit, basements, and first floors, and possibly requiring water rescues in areas with poor drainage or rapid runoff.

“A small chance of heavier rain and flooding could pose an elevated threat to life and cause significant disruptions to transportation, flood underground infrastructure and basements and first floors of residences and businesses,” the NWS alert read.

“We’re Preparing for a Serious Storm” — Mayor Eric Adams

New York City officials are treating the situation with utmost seriousness. On July 30, Mayor Eric Adams addressed the public via X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“We’re preparing for a serious storm tomorrow evening.”

The mayor’s office issued travel advisories for both Thursday and Friday, encouraging residents to limit non-essential movement, especially during evening commutes when flooding may become most severe.

“Roads may become flooded during the evening commute,” the city advisory noted.
“Set up flood prevention tools early. If you live in a basement, prepare to move to higher ground.”

“Don’t Trust the Water on Roads” — AccuWeather Warning

AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski added a cautionary note about driving in storm conditions, especially at night.

“Roads that appear to only have a small amount of water running across them may be deceiving, especially at night when the visibility is reduced.”

Sosnowski explained that as little as six inches to one foot of moving water can push small vehicles, while SUVs can float in 1 to 2 feet of water. Even without being carried away, vehicles can suffer severe water damage in such scenarios.

State Emergency Services on Alert

Governor Kathy Hochul also weighed in, reminding New Yorkers to stay prepared and vigilant throughout the end of the week.

“As the forecast shifts from extreme heat to heavy rains, I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and use caution,” Hochul said in a July 30 statement.
“State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”

In a proactive move, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services encouraged residents to sign up for local emergency alerts by texting their county or borough to 333111.

Where Could the Heaviest Rain Fall?

The final outcome of the flooding threat largely depends on where the frontal boundary stalls. A slight northward shift in the storm system could bring the worst rainfall closer to NYC and surrounding areas. As recent flash flooding events — such as the one in Texas Hill Country — have shown, forecasting rainfall totals to pinpoint accuracy remains a challenge.

As of the latest forecast data, the highest probability of receiving over 4 inches of rain lies just southwest of New York City:

Mount Holly, NJ – 34%
King of Prussia, PA – 31%
West Chester, PA – 24%
Trenton, NJ – 22%
West Milford, NJ – 10%

For 3+ inches of rain, the probability is even higher:

Trenton, NJ – 53%
West Chester, PA – 43%
Mount Pocono, PA – 34%
Doylestown, PA – 33%
New York City – 21%
Haverstraw, NY – 27%
Sherman, CT – 20%

When Will This End?

Relief is in sight. Meteorologists say the worst conditions should taper off by the morning of August 1, with the return of more typical summer weather patterns. Until then, however, flood vigilance remains critical, and residents are advised to take alerts seriously, avoid unnecessary travel, and safeguard their homes and businesses.

With waterlogged streets replacing sun-scorched sidewalks, the tri-state’s weather continues to keep its residents on edge — proving once again that in this region, forecasts can turn dramatically overnight.

As the tri-state region stands between retreating heat and advancing rain, residents must remain alert to nature’s swift unpredictability. With emergency services on standby and alerts in motion, the coming hours demand caution, preparation, and patience. While relief from the scorching temperatures may arrive with the rain, it brings its own dangers in the form of flash floods and travel disruptions. As skies darken and warnings rise, the only certainty is the need to stay informed, stay indoors when possible, and let prudence lead the way through this unfolding storm.