‘Storm train’ set to give way to White Christmas

Over higher ground up to four feet of snow could settle, although this will bring travel disruption and the risk of avalanches.

Then later this week, it is back to wind and rain as the storm train cranks up a gear and continues its charge into the New Year.

AccuWeather meteorologist Heather Zehr said: “A reprieve from the storminess is expected along much of the West Coast on Christmas Day, as a break from the storm train is expected.

“Meanwhile, parts of the central Rockies can expect to have a fresh round of snow on Christmas Day.

“The storm train is expected to pick back up later this week, bringing a series of storms to the coast between Thursday and early next week.”

Heavy rain through the end of the year threatens travel chaos with up to a foot forecast in parts.

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Holiday makers taking to the roads and transport networks are warned severe weather could spark cancellations and power outages.

As snow piles up over higher ground, stormy outbursts will bring the risk of tumbling avalanches, experts warn.

AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said: “Shifting snow levels falling over the high country will increase the risk of avalanches with each storm as the increasing snow cover becomes more unstable.

“The storm train is expected to pick back up later this week, bringing a series of storms to the coast between Thursday and early next week.

“A total of six to ten inches of rainfall is possible this week along the coast from Vancouver Island through Washington, most of Oregon, as well as Northern California, and this could bring widespread flooding, mudslides, power outages and travel disruptions.”

As the barrage of storm systems resumes its assault clashing hot and cold air masses will trigger thunderstorms.

Southern states are in the firing line for the worst of the weather, as the Pacific vents its fury across the nation.

Weather Channel meteorologist Jonathan Belles said: “On Friday, rain and thunderstorms will spread from the central and Southern Plains Thursday north into the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes.

“A few severe thunderstorms are possible in the South, but locally heavy downpours and wet roads appear to be the main travel concern in these areas.

“Much of the West Coast will see several days of rain or snow.”

Although snow is on the cards for some, most of the US can look forward to a mild and unsettled Christmas.

Jim Dale, US weather correspondent for British Weather Services and co-author of ‘Surviving Extreme Weather’, said: “Not many people are going to see a White Christmas, and where temperatures are lower, they are more likely to see a pseudo-White Christmas with frost instead of snow.

“Then we are back to the pattern of storms, as cold air meets milder air.”