Tropical Rain Threat, Freeze Warnings, Heavy Snow

Forecasters warn a tropical rainstorm may form over the Gulf Stream this weekend and push north into early next week, putting the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic (from central Florida to southern New England) on alert for heavy tropical rain, flooding, rough surf, strong rip currents and beach erosion, with heavy inland rain possible as far west as the Virginia and Pennsylvania Appalachians. National Weather Service freeze and frost alerts are in effect early this week across portions of about 11 states (including Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, the Dakotas, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Washington and California), threatening crops, sensitive vegetation and unprotected outdoor plumbing. Winter weather warnings and advisories in Wyoming and Montana forecast 6–15 inches at high elevations with localized totals up to 18 inches and 4–8 inches (with isolated higher amounts) around Glacier National Park. Mountain passes and high-elevation roads are expected to become hazardous, prompting travel warnings and possible closures that could strain emergency services and infrastructure. Authorities caution that cold, wet and windy conditions increase risks of hypothermia and frostbite for people outdoors without adequate shelter.