Severe storms, flooding and deep freeze sweep across U.S., sparking rescues and widespread alerts

Extreme weather spanning thousands of miles is disrupting daily life from the Pacific Coast to New England, with authorities conducting water rescues in the Northwest while large sections of the country prepare for heavy snow and dangerous cold. The series of hazards, tracked by federal and state forecasters on December 11, 2025, is forcing emergency managers to activate response plans and urging residents to monitor rapidly changing conditions.

Flooding turns ‘catastrophic’ in the Pacific Northwest

In Washington and Oregon, relentless rainfall pushed rivers and streams over their banks, flooding neighborhoods and roadways. Officials described the situation as “catastrophic,” and local emergency teams carried out multiple rescues after rising water trapped people in vehicles and homes. Flood alerts remain in effect across the region, and first responders are cautioning drivers against attempting to cross inundated streets.

Forecasters say saturated soil and elevated river levels could prolong the threat even after the heaviest rain ends. Public-works crews are inspecting levees and clearing debris from drainage systems to prevent additional overflow, while shelters have been opened for residents forced to evacuate low-lying areas.

Two rounds of snow target the Midwest

Farther east, a pair of winter storms is on track to blanket portions of the Midwest with back-to-back snow events. Forecast models indicate the first wave will arrive before the weekend, followed by a second pulse that could drop additional accumulations on freshly covered roads. Transportation departments in several states have pre-positioned plows and salt trucks, and motorists are being asked to plan for slower travel and possible airport delays.

Schools and municipal offices are monitoring projections to determine whether schedule changes will be necessary. Utility companies, meanwhile, are staging repair crews in anticipation of power outages commonly associated with heavy, wet snow and gusty winds.

Brutal cold set to grip Great Lakes and New England

As the snow pushes east, an arctic air mass will settle over the Great Lakes and New England. Forecasters warn that wind chills could drop well below freezing, creating conditions that heighten the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. State and local agencies are preparing warming centers and advising residents to limit time outdoors, check on vulnerable neighbors and ensure pets are sheltered.

Public health officials emphasize that extreme cold can be as dangerous as the season’s most intense storms. According to the National Weather Service, exposure to sub-zero wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, underscoring the need for layered clothing and emergency kits in vehicles.

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Coast-to-coast impact prompts coordinated response

The simultaneous threats of flooding, snow and severe cold are stretching emergency resources across multiple regions. Governors in several states have directed agencies to remain on standby, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with local officials to monitor developments. Aviation authorities are advising travelers to check flight status frequently, and rail carriers have announced contingency timetables in anticipation of weather-related slowdowns.

Businesses from retail stores to construction firms are adjusting operations. Some retailers are reporting spikes in demand for generators, rock salt and winter clothing, while outdoor work sites are implementing safety protocols that include reduced hours during the coldest periods.

Safety recommendations

Authorities nationwide are urging the public to stay informed through official forecasts and heed any evacuation or travel advisories that may be issued. Key recommendations include:

• Avoid driving through floodwaters; even shallow currents can sweep vehicles away.
• Stock vehicles with blankets, food and water when travel cannot be postponed.
• Use caution with space heaters and generators to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.
• Check weather updates frequently, as conditions can shift with little warning during dynamic winter systems.

With flooding already forcing rescues in the Northwest and snow poised to blanket wide swaths of the central United States, emergency officials stress that preparation remains the best defense against the season’s hazards. The coming days will test infrastructure and response networks, but timely alerts and public cooperation are expected to limit injuries and property damage as the nation faces this latest bout of extreme weather.

Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live