East Coast braces for Christmas Eve storm: Nearly 60M from Charlotte to NYC will be slammed with strong winds and freezing temperatures - one week after huge nor'easter killed seven and dumped up to 44 inches of snow
Nearly 60 million people from North Carolina to New York are bracing for a Christmas Eve storm that's predicted to bring strong winds and freezing temperatures.
Current forecasts show storms affecting a large portion of the country before hitting the East Coast on Christmas Eve with a cold front bringing an Arctic blast for the duration of the holiday.
Forecasters said that wind gusts between 25 to 35mph could mean that some Americans may wake up to power outages on Christmas Day.
It follows last week's nor'easter that killed seven people and dumped 44 inches of snow on cities across the East Coast.
Nearly 60 million people are bracing for a Christmas Eve storm that's predicted to bring strong winds and freezing temperatures from parts of North Carolina to New York City
Heavy rain and strong wind gusts are forecast for Christmas Eve (depicted above)
As the storm system shifts east through the end of the week, it will intensify, with a mix of snow and rain
Currently, most of the East is experiencing seasonable temperatures after a blast of cold air hit the region on Saturday.
However, forecasters say there are a number of fast-moving systems that will travel through the Eastern and Central US over the next few days.
The first frontal system may see some snow stretching from Ohio to New York.
On Monday, another disturbance coming in from Canada could see snow landing in the upper Midwest although there is unlikely to be any significant accumulation.
But the storm that may affect the East for Christmas is likely to begin with strong winds on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The winds are first forecast in the Pacific Northwest where up to 8 inches of rain could fall in Oregon and Washington with the risk of triggering mudslides, landslides, avalanches and flooding.
The weather system will then move into the Central US by Wednesday where it will become more organized with a powerful cold front bringing heavy rain and strong thunderstorms.
Snow will then form on the cold side of the storm with snow falling in the upper Midwest.
By Christmas Eve, the system will approach the Eastern US with heavy rain forecast and powerful wind gusts, especially along parts of the Northeast Coast.
Northeast states could see some flooding late Thursday-Friday following last week's Storm Gail that dropped up to 44 inches of snow in some areas
Wind gusts between 25 to 35mph are also expected along the East Coast this week
At least one inch of snow cover could fall on Christmas in parts of the country
Although it is too early to tell how strong the winds will be, power outages may occur. This, coupled with the melting snow from last week's storm is likely to cause flooding.
Those at higher elevations including northeast Pennsylvania, New York and Vermont, where more than 2 feet of snow fell, are at risk.
Heavy rain and strong thunderstorms are also forecast to hit the southeast on Christmas Eve.
Temperature-wise, the Midwest could see wind chills around the -10s and -20s.
On the East Coast there could be some dramatic temperature swings with parts of New Jersey at around 60F on Christmas Eve falling to single digits by Christmas night.
Snow showers may also mix in with the rain on Friday morning. Friday is also likely to be chilly with highs reaching about 40F in New York City and New Jersey.
Chicago could see temperatures near 50F on Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday, highs in Chicago may reach the lower 20s.
In Atlanta, highs in the 50s and 60s are forecast through Thursday.
Forecasters say the new storm could lead to flooding in the Northeast, which is still reeling from last week's nor'easter that dropped up to 44 inches of snow and killed seven people.
Storm Gail battered the East Coast last week, causing more than 1,000 crashes on roadways along the Eastern states. A man travels on a scooter in Times Square on December during last week's storm
More snow fell in one day in New York City Wednesday than the whole of last winter, blanketing areas in thick flakes. Pedestrians and cars are seen during Storm Gail on Thursday in Englewood New Jersey
Storm Gail battered the East Coast last week, causing more than 1,000 crashes on roadways along the Eastern states.
More snow fell in one day in New York City Wednesday than the whole of last winter, blanketing areas in thick flakes.
In Kennebunkport, Maine, a light dusting of snow Wednesday night was replaced the next morning by thick snow as the full force of Gail was felt through the small town.
At least seven people were killed in snow-related incidents across the East Coast caused by the powerful nor'easter which began blanketing areas from northern Virginia to New York City to southern Maine Wednesday night.
More than 600 crashes were reported across New York state through Wednesday night, including a 27-car pile up in New York City that left six injured, as other parts of the state were smothered in more than 40 inches of snow.
