What happens when the frigid air returns and the waters aren't completely receded?
November 30, 2014
By Nick Wiltgen
...A very strong bubble (click here) of high pressure, associated with very cold arctic air, will slide southeastward from eastern Montana into the Dakotas Sunday night into Monday. The pressure difference between that high pressure center and a powerful low-pressure system over Hudson Bay in eastern Canada means blustery winds will buffet the same areas seeing temperatures well below zero Sunday night.
As a result, actual temperatures that are already mercilessly cold -- in some cases approaching 20 below zero -- will feel like 35 to 45 below zero even with modest wind speeds of 10 mph....
This is very serious and the scenarios can be devastating. Low lying areas of town and cities have to be evacuated with such extremes happening this close together. Safety cannot be guaranteed after a severe storm dropped so much snow, followed by the melting and runoff. When, not if, the frigid air mass returns most areas will still be saturated with water. That means water is now in the ground and will freeze as well as any flood inundated areas.
Areas of high ground won't have this same problem. The runoff will allow minimal amount of saturation. It all depends on where the water went and where it is now saturated. Ice will expand and cause damage. The rapid changing temperature will result in profound icing problems if the water is not receded from the streets.
Remember what occurred in Georgia and the highways were swamped with cars and trucks unable to move. Circumstances became dire very quickly. Preparation for these events need to be in place to avoid putting people in danger.
The railways are some concern if the tracks are/were under water and there was any undermining of ground.
This is the new climate we are facing. This is micromanagement of severe weather. It is up to communities to know their ability to cope.
December 1, 2014
0745 gmt
The Weather Channel Current Temperature Map
