Winter Weather Warnings Issued for 11 States as Up to Five Feet of Snow Expected
Winter weather warnings are in effect for 11 states as a major snowstorm is forecast to bring up to five feet of snow to some regions.
The affected states include Virginia, Montana, Maryland, California, West Virginia, Idaho, Nevada, South Carolina, Colorado, Alaska, and Utah.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has cautioned that travel in these areas could be extremely dangerous.
The heaviest snow is anticipated in California, where a warning has been issued for heavy snowfall from 4 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Snow-covered roads and travel delays are expected during this period.
“Heavy snow is expected above elevations of 5,500 feet, with total accumulations of 1 to 4 feet and up to 5 feet on higher peaks,” the National Weather Service reported.
The warning covers the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada region, Western Plumas County, and Lassen Park Counties, including the cities of Chester, Blue Canyon, and Quincy.
While heavy snow is forecast, its intensity is expected to decrease from late Saturday afternoon into Sunday, before picking up again at times on Monday and Tuesday.
In Idaho, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. MST Saturday for areas above 7,000 feet, including the Sawtooth/Stanley Basin, Sun Valley, and Big Lost Highlands regions. These areas could see up to 13 inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching 35 mph. Travel conditions may be challenging, with potential for temporary road closures.
Garrett County in Maryland and Western Highland County in Virginia are facing heavy wet snow and ice, with up to an inch of snow accumulation and wind gusts reaching 40 mph. In Virginia, whiteout conditions are expected, making roads, especially bridges and overpasses, slick and hazardous. Blowing snow and strong winds may further reduce visibility, increase travel risks, and potentially cause downed power lines.
In West Virginia, a Blizzard Warning is in effect for Northwest Pocahontas and Southeast Randolph counties until 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by a Winter Storm Warning. These areas could see up to 24 inches of snow, with strong winds posing risks of fallen trees and power lines. Travel conditions are anticipated to be extremely dangerous.
Montana is experiencing heavy snowfall, with up to 12 inches expected in mountainous areas and strong winds reducing visibility. Travelers are advised to take precautions, as tire chains may be required in mountain passes.
In South Carolina, Colorado, Alaska, and Utah, significant travel disruptions are expected, with snowfall reaching up to 36 inches in some areas over the weekend. Utah could see up to 3 feet of snow, accompanied by winds up to 55 mph, while Alaska may experience winds up to 40 mph and Colorado up to 35 mph. Power outages are also a possibility in South Carolina and Utah.
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or expected. According to the NWS, this includes “5 inches or more of snow/sleet within 12 hours, 7 inches or more within 24 hours,” or ice accumulation capable of damaging power lines, along with a “life-threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.”
Winter Weather Advisories, while less severe, are issued when conditions such as “any amount of freezing rain or 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or combined with sleet and freezing rain)” are expected to create significant inconvenience but do not meet the threshold for a warning.
Image Credits- Winter Snow
