Four states are expecting snowfall throughout Saturday, with meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing numerous winter weather advisories to warn residents of the suspected impacts.
Why It Matters
Meteorologists have been warning for days of an incoming cold front that will drop temperatures across much of the country to more winterlike levels.
The system is bringing snow with it, which will sweep across the nation and be the first snowfall of the season for many areas, right on track for climatological averages, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek.
What To Know
Winter weather advisories warning of snow are in place for Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan.
In most areas, snow won’t begin until Saturday evening. However, accumulating snowfall will begin at 4 a.m. local time in South Dakota and Wyoming.
These two states are expecting snowfall up to 5 inches, with most snow falling in areas above elevation of 5,000 feet. Winds up to 45 miles per hour will cause blowing snow, according to a winter weather advisory in place for the area. Impacted areas in this region include the northern Black Hills in South Dakota, and the Wyoming Black Hills.
By Saturday night, snow will begin to fall in Minnesota and Michigan, with NWS offices in Duluth and Marquette currently having winter weather advisories in place.
In Michigan, snowfall will begin around 7 p.m. Impacted areas include Delta, Luce, Northern Schoolcraft, Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Gogebic, Ontonagon, Baraga, Southern Houghton, Alger and Marquette counties. Up to 8 inches of snow is expected in some areas.
In Minnesota, the advisory is in place for Iron County, which includes the Tribal Lands of the northwestern area of the Lac du Flambeau Band. It goes into effect at 6 p.m. and up to 8 inches of snow could fall.
What People Are Saying
NWS Marquette in a winter weather advisory: “During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”
NWS Rapid City in a winter weather advisory: “Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.”
What Happens Next?
Most of the winter weather advisories will expire by late Monday morning or Monday afternoon, although the one issued for South Dakota and Wyoming will expire sooner, on Saturday night.
Over the weekend, more advisories could be issued depending on conditions.
