Multiple states across the U.S. have been issued winter storm warnings, which forecast that up to 20 inches of snow could blast certain areas, from Wednesday through Thursday and Friday, and in some areas, even into Saturday, sparking increased “avalanche danger” warnings, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
What To Know
Residents and travelers in New York, Ohio, Montana/Wyoming, Maine, Michigan, and Vermont are likely to be the most affected by the recent winter storm warnings.
New York
Northern Oneida county could see up to 12 inches of snow and 30 mph winds, and the eastern Lake Ontario region could get up to 16 inches—with the highest amounts of snowfall expected across the Tug Hill Plateau and western Adirondacks—from Wednesday through to Thursday afternoon.
Bennington, western Windham, Hamilton, northern Fulton, and northern Herkimer counties could get between 7 and 14 inches of snow by Thursday morning, with the heaviest snowfall expected on the south-facing slopes of the Adirondacks and areas above 1,000 feet.
Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, southern Cayuga, and Sullivan counties could see up to 7 inches of snow in elevated areas by Thursday morning.
Southern Erie and Wyoming counties and the western Southern Tier are forecast to get up to 14 inches of snow by Friday, with winds as high as 35 mph. This is likely to produce drifting snow, which could affect morning and evening commutes.
Ohio
Between 8 and 10 inches of snow and 35 mph winds are expected to hit southern Erie county—with up to 14 inches forecast to land on higher ground—from Wednesday through to Friday.
Montana/Wyoming
The Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains that border Montana and Wyoming could get up to 15 inches of snow and winds as high as 50 mph until early Wednesday evening.
The Crazy Mountains in Montana could see between 10 and 20 inches of snow with 60 mph winds from Thursday until Saturday morning.
Residents in these areas have been warned that the heavy snowfall, coupled with high winds, could result in whiteout conditions and an increased risk of avalanches.
The Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana could get between 7 and 12 inches of snow, especially along Marias Pass, with over 1 foot expected on the higher peaks, until Friday.
Parts of central, south central, and southeast Montana could see total snow accumulations of between 4 and 14 inches, possibly until Saturday morning.
The Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming could get up to 8 inches of snow and winds as high as 70 mph along the top ridges, making travel difficult—especially along the Chief Joseph Highway.
The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges could get up to 12 inches above 9,000 feet with 75 mph winds until mid-Wednesday morning.
Salt River and the Wyoming Ranges could get up to 10 inches of snow and winds gusting as high as 60 mph. The Bighorn Mountains West could get up to 12 inches across the higher ranges, and the Wind River Mountains could also get up to 12 inches, with winds reaching 70 mph—until Wednesday afternoon.
Up to 18 inches of snow and 80 mph winds are expected across the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, including the Teton and Togwotee Passes, with backcountry travel “not advised.”
Maine
Northeast Aroostook, northwest Aroostook, northern Piscataquis, and northern Somerset counties could get up to 8 inches of snow by Thursday afternoon.
Michigan
Parts of northern Lower Michigan could see up to 6 inches of snow, especially south of M-72, and parts of southeast Michigan could also get up pto 6 inches with 35 mph winds, by Wednesday afternoon.
Vermont
Orleans and eastern Franklin counties, and parts of central, northeast, northwest, and southern Vermont, might get between 3 and 7 inches of snow from Wednesday morning until Thursday morning—with the heaviest amounts expected to fall throughout Wednesday.
What People Are Saying
The NWS for New York says: “Travel will be very difficult with snow-covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes.”
The NWS for Ohio issued this statement: “Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
The NWS for Wyoming said: “Outdoor recreation could become dangerous to those caught unprepared for hazardous winter conditions. Hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers may become disoriented and lost due to low visibility in falling and blowing snow.”
What Happens Next
Those in affected areas are urged to keep checking local weather forecasts for updates, as conditions could change rapidly as the storm progresses.
