Winter storm warnings and weather advisories had been issued for multiple states as of early Monday, with some parts of the country expecting multiple feet of snowfall.
Why It Matters
Some parts of California could see up to three feet of snow this week, potentially leading to dangerous driving conditions.
What To Know
In California, a winter storm warning in effect from 11 a.m. Monday to 5 p.m. PDT Wednesday said one to two feet of snow, with around three feet in the highest peaks was expected in central portions of the state.
“Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow,” the alert said. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes.”
The NWS said travel should be delayed if possible and drivers should exercise caution if travel was absolutely necessary.
Additional winter storm warnings were in place for northern Idaho and northwestern Montana, as well as for the central Brooks Range and Howard Pass and the De Long Mountains in Alaska.
Winter weather advisories—which are less severe than winter storm warnings—had also been issued for parts of Washington and Oregon.
Total snow accumulations up to seven inches could fall across the south Washington Cascades and the northern and central Cascades of Oregon, an advisory in force for the area until 11 a.m. PDT on Monday said.
“For elevations above 5000 ft, there is an 80 percent chance that snow [accumulates] between […] five to 17 inches,” the NWS said. “There is a 10-30 percent chance [of] snow accumulations of 15 inches or more.”
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service forecast office, Sacramento, California said on X, Sunday: “A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades above 6500 feet from 5 AM Monday – 5 AM Wednesday. If you have mountain travel plans, check the forecast and roads before you go!”
NWS Missoula, Montana said in a post on X on Sunday: “An unusually cold airmass will move in tonight across western Montana. Some locations could actually experience black ice despite the warm ground temperatures thanks to breezy easterly winds. Drive safe!”
NWS Fairbanks, Alaska said on X on Saturday: “A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Brooks Range from 1AM AKDT Sunday through 4PM AKDT Monday. Expect heavy snow with accumulations up to 1′. Brace for strong winds gusting as high as 75 mph and visibility reduced to <1 mi.”
What Happens Next
Local forecast updates are regularly issued by regional NWS branches on the agency’s website and social media channels.
