The primary focus of today's discussion centers on the severe weather conditions impacting various regions across the United States, with particular emphasis on the blizzard warnings currently in effect for Alaska. I delineate the perilous situation along the Bering Strait coast, where visibility has been markedly reduced, creating treacherous travel conditions. Furthermore, I address the persistent lake effect snow advisories affecting parts of central New York, which pose significant challenges during the morning commute. We also touch upon the high surf advisory in Hawaii, cautioning against strong currents that may endanger those on the east-facing shores. Additionally, I highlight the recent updates issued by FEMA concerning flood maps for Cochise County, Arizona, urging residents to familiarize themselves with the new information to better understand their flood risk.
Takeaways:
Alaska currently faces severe blizzard warnings, significantly impairing visibility and travel safety.
The Great Lakes region continues to experience persistent lake effect snow, affecting morning commutes.
In Hawaii, a high surf advisory is in effect, creating hazardous conditions along east facing shores.
FEMA has issued updated flood maps for Cochise County, necessitating local residents to review their risk assessments.
The National Weather Service anticipates additional winter weather advisories for Central New York into the afternoon.
Overall, there are no significant updates from other states affecting national weather conditions today.
Alaska leads the risk picture this morning with blizzard warnings along the Bering Strait coast cutting visibility to near zero and making travel dangerous through this afternoon.
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In the lower Great Lakes Lake effect bans persist and advisories continue for parts of central New York through the morning commute out west.
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Rain with high elevation snow continues into the Great Basin and Cascades.
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In Hawaii, a high surf advisory on east facing shores runs into early Thursday with strong currents a concern.
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Flood risk is limited nationally today.
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Weather Prediction center keeps flash flood probabilities below 5 ascent, but eyes turn to a marginal heavier rain setup for the Southern Plains by Friday into the weekend.
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Separately, FEMA issued a fresh flood map update for Cochise County.
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Arizona residents should check address, level, risk and adoption timelines.
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Let's run through the states Alaska Blizzard warnings remain in effect for the Bering Strait coast including Diomede, Shishmaref, Wales, Brevig, Mission and teller through 3pm AKST today with gusts to 45mph whiteout conditions and dangerous wind chills.
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Additional blizzard headlines extend along parts of the Western Arctic coast into this evening.
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Travel is hazardous to nearly impossible during peak conditions.
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Marine hazards, gales, brisk wind advisories also continue in adjacent waters.
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Arizona FEMA released updated flood maps for Cochise county today.
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Communities will need to adopt the new maps by their effective dates.
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Homeowners and businesses can review property specific flood risk, understand insurance implications and submit comments appeals if applicable.
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Hawaii A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6am HST today for east facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Kahulaue and Hawaii island.
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Expect 7-10ft surf, strong breaking waves and rip currents.
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NWS notes Surf eases later today with advisory level.
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Surf likely returning over the weekend as trades strengthening New winter weather advisories continue for parts of Central New York including Cortland, Tompkins and southern Cayuga through early afternoon.
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NWS calls for up to 3 inches additional lake effect snow with slippery roads and reduced visibility impacts.
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Focus on the morning commute and secondary roads.
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All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.
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We'll keep tracking Alaska's blizzard conditions, lingering Great Lakes snow and the next rain setup for the Southern Plains.
