Eastern U.S. Braces for Possible Nor'Easter

The United Weather Service issued a 'National Weather Warning' to much of the Eastern and South Eastern United States late today. Possible severe coastal flooding, heavy rain, high winds and heavy snows were predicted, as a severe storm system barreled through parts of Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma then headed east. John Koch,Meterologist for The National Weather Service claimed, "this system is very odd for this time of the year." He continued "this storm system is something that would be expected in mid-winter and not this time of the year."

In Haltom City, Texas strong winds and heavy rain caused severe damage. The storm brought down electrical wires, tore off porches and ripped roofs from buildings. More than a dozen tractor-trailers were blown over on their sides. One young woman felt her house shake and she grabbed her small daughter just as the roof fell in and onto the spot where her child had been standing, moments before.

One Police Officer was killed in Irving, Texas, after his police cruiser slid on an icy street and crashed into a telephone pole. Unusually violent storms were blamed for five deaths thus far. One other man was killed when lumber blew off of his truck and crushed him.

Three more persons were also killed in Kansas, where ice and slush caused dangerous driving conditions. The snow stopped late this afternoon in Eastern Kansas, after blowing snow had caused 'white-out' conditions, with up to 15" of snow in some areas.

By Saturday afternoon the storm had spread heavy rain from Louisiana, up through Virginia and across the Ohio Valley. Tornado warnings were issued throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, and Northern Alabama.

The eastern United States continued to prepare for the storm's onslaught that is predicted to hit sometime Sunday through late Monday night. Meterologists warn that the violent system may develop into what is known as a Nor'easter. This condition happens when a severe storm and heavy north-east winds follow the coastline northward, while producing heavy rains and extremely high waves. One of the most famous Nor'easter was the Halloween Nor'easter off of the east coast during late October in 1992. This storm caused more than one billion dollars in damages and was known as "The Perfect Storm." The storm was formed by conditions that joined a Nor'easter with a hurricane. Twelve people were also killed and the disaster was made into a movie called, "The Perfect Storm," starring George Clooney.

The New Jersey turnpike commission claims it is ready for anything the storm can throw at it. They have 250 trucks ready to plow and spread salt on highways if necessary. There has also been a 'flood watch' posted for New York City which may receive from 2-4 " of rain Sunday with wind gusts possibly reaching up to 50 miles per hour. Snow and sleet are also a possiblity.

Coastal Long Island may possibly see the worst flooding in the area since the destruction it received from a storm in 1992. More than 3,200 National Guard have been called out to protect the area. Snow is also predicted in the higher elevations of the Adirondacks, with a possible 20' possible. Heavy rains are also predicted throughout the Hudson Valley, as the storm passes through sometime, Monday or Tuesday.

Eastern Kentucky was also issued a severe storm warning tonight at 11:31 p.m.EDT, by the National Weather Service. You may check your area on www.weather.gov/view/nationalwarnings.