Winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued for eight states as they brace themselves for anticipated snowfall, freezing rain, and treacherous blizzard road conditions.
Why It Matters
This Article Includes
Snow has the potential to disrupt travel and create dangerous driving conditions.
Infants and senior citizens, who are more vulnerable, face increased health risks when exposed to freezing temperatures.
What To Know
Winter storm warnings are currently in effect for California, Nevada, and Alaska, with the latter experiencing a blizzard.
Winter weather advisories are also in effect in other parts of the three states, as well as in Colorado, Wyoming, Michigan, and New York.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has released a map illustrating the affected areas. The map distinguishes between different alerts using colors: pink represents a storm warning, purple indicates an advisory, and red signifies a blizzard warning.
A winter storm warning is issued when there is an expectation of heavy snowfall. The criteria for issuing this warning includes a minimum of 6 inches of snow within a 12-hour period or 8 inches within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the warning may be issued if there is a forecast for sleet accumulation of at least half an inch.
A winter weather advisory warns of snow, sleet, or freezing rain that can create hazardous travel conditions. Although the conditions are not as severe, caution is still advised.
These are the areas that will experience the most severe conditions:
California, Nevada, and Arizona
A powerful winter storm is currently sweeping across California, Nevada, and Arizona, causing significant snowfall, fierce winds, and dangerously treacherous travel conditions. Winter storm warnings have been issued for the southern Sierra Nevada region, while storm advisories extend northward to the central Sierra Nevada and southward to northeastern Arizona.
A storm warning has been issued for the San Bernardino Mountains, the Riverside County Mountains, and the eastern San Gabriel Mountains in California. These areas could see up to 14 inches of snow accumulation.
The southern Sierra Nevada ranges are predicted to receive the highest amount of snowfall in the United States. At elevations above 4,000 feet, forecasters expect 3 to 6 inches of snow, while areas above 7,500 feet could see up to 24 inches of snow.
The storm is currently dumping 5 to 10 inches of snow above 7,000 feet in Esmeralda and Central Nye County on the Nevada side. Meanwhile, Death Valley National Park, which spans both states, is expected to receive up to 6 inches of snow above 4,500 feet. These snowy conditions are causing travel difficulties on Highway 190.
Higher elevations in the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon are expected to receive 8 to 16 inches of snow by Tuesday morning. Snow accumulation is also possible along the Red Rock Loop.
Northeastern Arizona’s Western Mogollon Rim is expected to receive up to 4 inches of snow as a result of the storm’s impact.
Advisories are also in effect for the southern and central Sierra Nevada in California and Nevada, which will impact Mono County, the Lake Tahoe region, and the Owens Valley. These areas can expect up to 10 inches of snow accumulation, along with strong winds. As a result, travel in these regions will be extremely dangerous until 4 p.m. on Monday. Travelers should be prepared for delays and icy road conditions.
Alaska
Alaska is currently experiencing some of the most severe winter storm conditions in the United States this weekend. The forecast predicts up to 18 inches of snow, prompting the issuance of several winter storm warnings, a blizzard warning, and winter storm advisories. These alerts cover a large portion of the state, including the interior, south central, and southwest regions.
A blizzard warning has been issued for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta until 9 p.m. Sunday. The region is expected to receive 9 to 17 inches of snow, accompanied by 50 mph gusts and wind chills dropping as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Eastern Aleutians are currently experiencing heavy snowfall, with higher elevations receiving 12 to 18 inches of snow. In addition, strong gusts of up to 60 mph are being recorded, making for challenging weather conditions. Visibility is also significantly reduced, with only half a mile of visibility until 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The South Slopes of the Central Brooks Range, Upper Koyukuk Valley, and Dalton Highway Summits are expected to receive 6 to 10 inches of snow by 6 p.m. Sunday AKST. In the Central Interior, there will be similar snow totals and mixed precipitation until 3 a.m. Monday.
A warning has been issued for the White Mountains and the high terrain south of the Yukon River until Sunday at noon. The area is expected to receive up to 10 inches of snow, with gusts of wind reaching 45 mph and reduced visibility.
The forecast for the Middle Yukon Valley and Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys predicts 8 to 18 inches of snow and rain below 1,500 feet until 3 a.m. on Monday. Meanwhile, the Upper Kuskokwim Valley is expected to experience 3 to 15 inches of snow and significant freezing rain. In particular, near McGrath, there could be up to 0.5 inches of ice, which may result in power outages.
Winter weather advisories are in effect for a significant portion of southwest and south-central Alaska, encompassing areas like Fairbanks, Bristol Bay, and the Copper River Basin. These advisories will remain in place until Sunday evening or Monday morning.
Michigan
Winter weather advisories are still in effect for certain areas of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula until 7 a.m. EST on Sunday morning. Specifically, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Otsego Counties can anticipate light snowfall, which could result in an additional inch of accumulation.
According to the forecast, Central and Western Chippewa Counties in the Upper Peninsula can expect to receive a snowfall of 1 to 2 inches.
New York
Heavy snow and winter storm conditions are expected in Northeastern New York.
The Eastern Lake Ontario region is currently under a lake-effect snow warning until 6 a.m. Monday EST. We can expect persistent bands of lake-effect snow, resulting in accumulations of 9 to 18 inches. The Tug Hill Plateau will experience the most significant snowfall.
Travel will be hazardous due to areas of blowing and drifting snow caused by gusting winds up to 35 mph.
Northern Oneida, Hamilton, and Northern Herkimer Counties are currently under a winter weather advisory that will remain in effect until Monday morning. According to the forecast, these regions can expect to receive up to 6 inches of snow.
Wyoming and Colorado
Winter weather advisories are currently in effect for the mountains and valleys along the Wyoming-Colorado border until Sunday morning.
The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges are bracing for a significant snowfall of up to 6 inches, accompanied by strong winds gusting up to 40 mph. These weather conditions are expected to create dangerous travel conditions in the area. Additionally, the Elkhead and Park Mountains, along with the Flat Tops, are also forecasted to receive up to 3 inches of snow.
Lighter snow is expected in Rabbit Ears Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Medicine Bow Range, with an estimated accumulation of around 1 inch. The Upper Yampa River Basin is projected to receive up to 2 inches of snow.
Travel and Safety
The NWS advises people in impacted regions to minimize travel when severe weather strikes and to have essential emergency items like flashlights, food, and water on hand. Drivers should be ready for abrupt changes in visibility, blizzard-like conditions, and icy road surfaces.
Local authorities are expected to provide more updates as the winter storms continue, in order to keep residents and travelers informed about potentially hazardous conditions.
What Happens Next
The duration of the winter storm watches varies from state to state, so make sure to check with the NWS. We at Newsweek will continue to provide you with the latest updates.