The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories across multiple U.S. regions, with forecasts of up to 18 inches of snow in some areas.
Why It Matters
NWS winter weather advisories signal that hazardous but manageable conditions are occurring, imminent, or likely, so people should use caution. Meanwhile, winter storm warnings mean dangerous weather is imminent or occurring, and immediate action is needed to protect life and property.
The warnings coincide with one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, raising concerns about hazardous driving conditions and significant disruption.
The NWS has cautioned that poor visibility, icy roads, and strong winds may create dangerous conditions and exacerbate the risk of accidents and delays.
What To Know
Treacherous conditions are predicted to strike in a range of states from Colorado’s peaks to the snow-cloaked ranges of Nevada and Alaska.
These NWS alerts cover a range of hazards, from heavy snow and high winds to freezing rain, making travel dangerous and increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
According to an official NWS announcement, parts of southern California and inner Alaska have been issued winter storm warnings.
Winter weather advisories have been issued in southeastern and southcentral Alaska, southern Colorado, southcentral and southern California, and southeastern and northwest Nevada.
California
San Bernardino & Riverside Counties: Winter storm warning until Friday evening (4 pm PST), with 12-16 inches of snow likely above 7,500 feet and hazardous road conditions impacting the region. The NWS said: “Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute.”
Northern Ventura County Mountains, including the cities of Mount Pinos, Ozena, and Lockwood Valley, have been placed under winter weather advisories until 10 am PST, Friday, with the NWS warning of up to six inches of snow above 6,000 feet, and telling drivers to “always carry chains”.
Mountainous areas in Mono County, including the cities of Lee Vining, Coleville, Mammoth Lakes, and Bridgeport, are under winter weather advisories until 8 am PST, with snow accumulations exceeding 12 inches at higher elevations and travel severely impacted on main passes. The NWS said: “Gusty winds could bring down tree branches”.
Mountain areas in Eastern Sierra Slopes, White Mountains of Inyo County, including the cities of Whitney Portal, Westgard Pass, Aspendell, and Bristlecone Pine are under a winter weather advisory until 8 am PST, with snow accumulations exceeding 12 inches at higher elevations of above 9,500 feet and travel severely impacted on main passes.
Alaska
Fairbanks: Winter weather advisory and a winter storm warning in effect for the White Mountains and Yukon Flats and High Terrain South of the Yukon River until noon AKST Sunday, forecasting 6-12 inches of snow from Friday through Sunday, impacting the Steese and Elliott Highways.
Klondike Highway: Snowfall of 8-10 additional inches expected through Friday night north of milepost 10 toward White Pass. Winds up to 30 mph, with total storm accumulation of 12-14 inches. Travelers are urged to use extreme caution. Winter weather advisory in place until 9 pm AKST Friday.
Anchorage: Under a winter weather advisory until noon AKST Friday for freezing rain, ice accumulation of a light glaze, and refreezing surfaces. The NWS said: “Untreated roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, may become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.”
Colorado
Pueblo: Winter weather advisories remain until 5 am MST Friday for Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains above 11,000 feet, with up to 2 inches of snow expected and slick, snow-packed roads. The NWS said: “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”
Nevada
Nevada–California border mountain border region, including the cities of Yerington, Smith Valley, Schurz, Hawthorne, and Mina, under winter weather advisories until 8am PST Friday, with forecasts of snow accumulations of up to a foot along the highest peaks and winds gusting as high as 60 mph along the highest peaks. The NWS said: “Plan on slippery road conditions.”
What People Are Saying
For those under a winter weather warning, the NWS says: “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
“The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.”
For winter weather advisories, the NWS says, “slow down and use caution while traveling”, adding: “Be prepared for slippery roads. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”
What Happens Next
The NWS urges residents to stay alert to rapidly changing weather and road conditions, especially in high-elevation, rural, and mountainous regions where snow accumulation may be greatest.
For those who must travel, the service recommends telling someone your itinerary and carrying an emergency kit that includes a battery powered radio, booster cables, shovels, non-perishable food, water, blankets, and other survival essentials.
The NWS has also advised the public to check their official website and local media sources for the latest advisories and warnings as conditions evolve.
