Election Day Weather: Rain, Snow, Tornadoes Across US To Affect Voter Turnout?

Multiple reports Monday said United States could expect bouts of rain, snow, tornadoes and stormy weather across the country on election day. This could affect the voter turnout as many people might not be able to make it to polling booths due to the harsh weather.

Eastern U.S. was expected to have a potent storm with heavy rain, wind, and potentially strong thunderstorms. The Great Lakes and the Northeast will most likely receive significant rain and wind, making it a rough day for voters.

Reports said wind gusts might exceed 40 mph in parts of the Great Lakes, interior Northeast, and southeastern New England. New England and New York state were expected to receive the highest amount of rain with a possible chance of flooding. Overall, it will be a blustery day with strong winds from the south.

People planning to vote in the areas were advised to make it to the polling station as early as possible as the heaviest downpours was supposed to begin only later in the day, the Washington Post noted.

The areas of Philadelphia to Atlanta in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast were expected to have strong to severe thunderstorms. Winds that can be damaging, tornadoes and locally heavy rainfall were also possible in the area. The regions of Baltimore and Washington metro areas, and south into the Carolinas, were issued a slight risk of severe thunderstorms, reports said. Alabama and the northern third of Georgia will have a stormy morning as well. There might be isolated tornadoes, but by late afternoon, the storms should be over along I-95 making for easier transport.

According to reports, wet snow, or rain changing to snow was likely from North Dakota to northern Minnesota and Upper Michigan in the north-central U.S., and light snowfall totals were expected. The area was expected to have well-below-normal temperatures, with highs reaching into the 20s and 30s degrees. Winds will add to making the weather feel cooler.

Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northeast Indiana, and Ohio will start with a rainy morning with gusty winds. The rain will become lighter as the day goes by, giving leeway for voters. From Texas, all the way to the Canadian border, the area will be at least partly sunny, allowing for excellent voting weather, a report in the Washington Post said.

The highest elevations of northern Idaho and western Montana to western Wyoming can receive heavy snow, according to data provided by the National Weather Service, with Idaho getting as much as six to eight inches. This could result in slick roads on the way to the polls, so people were advised to be careful. Washington State might also receive some light showers, but the rest of West U.S. should be dry and mild, reports said.

Nov. 6 is the midterms which can decide the fate of the leadership in the country. Voter turnout has become a cause of worry due to the weather conditions expected in regions. The strong weather could affect both voter turnout and the outcome in a few battleground states. USA Today reported certain studies found Republican candidates have a slight advantage on rainy days.