Winter weather advisories for snow, ice, strong winds, freezing rain, and sub-zero temperatures have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for four states from Sunday, with the agency warning drivers to “avoid travel.”
States Affected by Winter Weather on Sunday
Parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Utah, and Colorado are under winter weather advisories or freeze warnings for Sunday morning; in some cases, they are in place until around midday.
While heavy snow hasn’t been forecast, the wintry conditions and freezing temperatures were likely to impact travel and outdoor activities, as people prepared to make trips to see family and friends over the Easter holiday weekend.
Maine
The NWS has warned those in the northeast and northwestern parts of Aroostook County to expect up to 1 inch of sleet and snow, thick ice, and winds reaching around 30 mph until around noon on Sunday. Roads—especially over bridges and overpasses—are likely to be slippery, causing “travel difficulties,” so drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution.
Similar wintry conditions are forecast for parts of the central Highlands, North Woods, Penobscot Valley, and the far eastern side of Maine through Sunday morning.
Parts of western and central Maine could get freezing rain, ice accumulations, and strong winds reaching up to 45 mph until mid-Sunday morning. The NWS says temperatures are expected to remain below freezing, and the “gusty winds” could bring down tree branches and blow unsecured objects around, although the risk of power outages remains low.
New Hampshire
Northern parts of New Hampshire could also see freezing rain, ice, and wind gusts reaching 45 mph through Sunday morning. According to the NWS, although the threat remains low, residents should prepare for “possible power outages” during this time. Icy conditions could make roads slippery, so drivers have been told to “avoid travel if possible.”
Utah
Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29 degrees Fahrenheit are likely to hit eastern parts of the Uinta Basin, the San Rafael Swell, eastern parts of Box Elder County, and the Tooele, Rush, and Utah Valleys until Sunday morning. Temperatures this low could cause a hard frost that might harm or kill outdoor plants and crops, and damage outdoor pipes, if they are left unprotected.
Colorado
In Colorado, the lower Yampa River Basin, the Animas River Basin, the Four Corners and Upper Dolores River areas, the Paradox Valley and Lower Dolores River, the San Juan River Basin, the Central Colorado River Basin, the Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, and the De Beque-to-Silt corridor should also expect sub-freezing temperatures through the start of Sunday.
