Winter storms live: 70 million Americans face dangerous blizzards across southeast US

Tornadoes could hit multiple states on Monday amid a powerful storm in the southeast of the US.

Storm Finn is expected to bring tornadoes to cities including New Orleans, Louisiana, Gulfport, Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama.

The threat of dangerous nighttime tornadoes may ramp up Monday night and early Tuesday, especially from southeast Louisiana to southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle.

Strong winds could cause flash flooding along the eastern Gulf Coast and much of the East Coast, according to the Weather Prediction Center.

Between one to three inches of rainfall is expected in the Gulf Coast, stretching to New England, while rainfall in isolated locations could exceed four inches.

“Widespread and potentially significant river and flash flooding are likely from the central Gulf Coast through much of the Eastern U.S. early this week,” the Weather Prediction Center said. “Powerful onshore winds will lead to widespread coastal flooding along the eastern Gulf Coast and much of the East Coast.”

There’s serious concern for flooding in the Northeast with this next wave of rain coming right after a previous snowstorm dropped more than half a foot of snow in multiple Northeast states.

Meanwhile, there is a Level 3 out of 4 risk for flooding in portions of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania on Tuesday. A Level 2 of 4 threat spans nearly the entire path of the first storm – from Georgia through Massachusetts.

A Level 3 of 4 risk for flooding is also in place along the western coast of Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle for the flood potential from the initial round of rain on Monday.

A major storm has caused severe travel disruption in the southeast, with roads closed and flights cancelled.

Officials in Arizona have warned against non-essential travel after multiple crashes closed parts of the I-40.

Meanwhile, More than 6,000 flights into, out of, or within the US were also delayed on Sunday due to severe weather, according to FlightAware.

At least 828 US flights were canceled on the same day.

Some airports have also reported significant operational disruptions. Near Hartford, Connecticut, Bradley International Airport, announced 20 percent of its flights had been canceled Sunday as snow removal operations were underway.

Cuyama Valley, California is under a hard freeze warning until Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service has said.

NWS issues a hard freeze warning when temperatures are expected to drop below 28°F for an extended period of time, killing most types of commercial crops and residential plants.

The warning will remain in effect until 10am PST, while a hard freeze watch will be in place until Tuesday morning.

The NWS has warned of damage to outdoor plumbing and severe damage to crops or sensitive vegetation, as well as harm to unprotected pets or livestock.

“Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold,” the NWS said in a statement. “To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.“

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has increased the readiness of State Operations Center to level two ahead of a severe storm that is expected to hit the southeast today.

According to the National Weather Service, an early week system of storms will bring multiple hazards to the state beginning Monday, including strong winds, blowing snow, critical fire weather conditions, and severe thunderstorms.

Snowfall and dangerous wind chills are expected to impact the Panhandle, while fire weather conditions are anticipated in West/Southwest Texas.

Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms with large hail, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding threats are expected to impact East/Southeast Texas, while gusts could reach 60-70 miles per hour in some areas.

“The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all available resources to take care of Texans and our communities as multiple severe weather threats begin to impact the state tomorrow,” said Governor Abbott. “To ensure that support and resources are swiftly deployed to all impacted communities, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the State Operation Center. Texans in at-risk areas are encouraged to remain vigilant, monitor weather conditions, and heed the guidance of local officials and emergency management personnel.”

Almost 70 million Americans are bracing for severe weather which is currently charting a path towards the Gulf Coast and Southeast on Monday and Tuesday.

The National Weather Service forecasts that the storm will head further east on Tuesday, hitting Tallahassee, Florida, Albany, Georgia, and Panama City, Florida, meanwhile the Cuyama Valley, California, is under a hard freeze warning until Tuesday morning.

More than 6,000 flights into, out of, or within the US were also delayed or cancelled on Sunday due to severe weather, according to FlightAware. It comes after Storm Ember brought 18 inches of snow to parts of the Northeast including New York.