LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Many regions in the Eastern United States prepared for a new wave of severe and wet weather on Saturday, with forecasts predicting snowstorms in the Northeast and strong winds that could lead to tornadoes in the Mississippi Valley.

Flood warnings were issued for Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Arkansas, urging residents to avoid road travel. Certain areas of western Kentucky could receive as much as 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) of rainfall.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear proactively declared a state of emergency due to anticipated flash flooding, particularly in Bowling Green where some roads have already been affected.

“Our goal is to strategically place resources in areas known for flooding in the past,” Beshear noted on social media.

The National Weather Service indicated that flash floods are likely across the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio valleys. In Tennessee, warnings were issued for potential flash flooding affecting much of the central part of the state through the evening.

This rainfall has been categorized by meteorologists as a “major, potentially historical flash flood event.”

Additionally, heavy snow is expected to cover much of New England before shifting to sleet, creating treacherous travel conditions. Upstate New York and parts of northern New England could see accumulations of a foot (30.5 centimeters) or more.

“Ice accumulations of up to a quarter inch are anticipated in certain regions, posing significant hazards for drivers. Heavy ice could lead to downed trees and power outages,” warned the weather service.

Meanwhile, a surge of snow and freezing temperatures swept across the Midwest and Upper Plains, affecting roadways in eastern Nebraska, northern Iowa, and much of Wisconsin. Winter weather advisories have been issued for parts of these states and Michigan, with predictions of up to 4 inches (10.6 centimeters) of snow expected in Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and most of Michigan by Sunday evening.

Frigid Polar Vortex Approaches on Saturday

Meteorologists announced that the U.S. is bracing for its 10th and most frigid polar vortex event of the season, initially impacting the northern Rockies and northern Plains. Arctic weather patterns are combining to push intensely cold air typically confined to the North Pole into the continental U.S. and Europe.

In Denver, where temperatures are predicted to drop to 14 degrees F (minus 10 degrees Celsius) over the weekend, the city has opened shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Forecasters reported snowfall accumulating at a rate of an inch (2.5 centimeters) per hour just north of Denver. In Boulder County, an abandoned vehicle that became stuck while trying to navigate over railroad tracks was struck by a train on Saturday afternoon. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but authorities advised drivers to be cautious due to slick road conditions.

The weather service also cautioned residents in the Upper Plains of extreme cold in the upcoming days, with wind chill factors plummeting to as low as minus 30 degrees F (minus 34 degrees Celsius) and could reach minus 60 (minus 51 degrees Celsius) in parts of western Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, and western Minnesota. Residents in these areas were urged to remain indoors and ensure that livestock and other animals are sheltered adequately.

California Faces Mudslide Risks

Following the strongest storm of the year, dry conditions have returned to Southern California; however, the threat of mudslides and rockslides remains, especially on wildfire-scarred hillsides. Such hazardous slides can occur even after the rain has ceased, particularly in areas stripped of vegetation that stabilizes the soil.

Debris, water, and boulders cascaded down mountains in Sierra Madre on Thursday night, ensnaring at least one vehicle in mud and damaging garages with debris. Cleanup efforts were underway to restore the mud-laden streets of the city with a population of 10,000.

A recent storm in the Sierra Nevada resulted in a staggering 6 feet (1.8 meters) of snow within just 36 hours. Tragically, two ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain were caught in an avalanche during avalanche mitigation work on Friday morning. One was rescued and reported to be responsive, while the other was hospitalized with serious injuries.

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Contributions to this report came from Associated Press writers Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Margery Beck in Omaha, Nebraska; and Olga R. Rodriguez and Eugene Garcia in California.