Winter storm warnings remain in place for many areas across the U.S., as up to 8 inches of snow and high winds are expected to continue to blast parts of the North and Midwest through Sunday and, in some areas, into next week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Why It Matters
Continuing heavy snow and blustery winds are likely to worsen travel conditions for affected regions. Drivers have been warned to only travel if necessary, as the build-up of snow, reduced visibility, and drifting snow are likely to make roads slippery and dangerous, especially over bridges and overpasses.
What To Know
Areas of the North and Midwest that will likely be most affected by ongoing snowfall and high winds include Alaska, Michigan, and Indiana.
People in Alaska have been told to expect up to 8 inches of snow to fall and up to 40 mph winds, especially across the lower Yukon River, lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys, the north slopes of the Western Alaska Range, upper Kuskokwim Valley, and the Yukon Delta Coast. They should also expect ice accumulations of between 0.1 and 0.2 inches from Sunday morning through to Wednesday afternoon, which could cause power outages.
Alcona, Arenac, Gladwin, Iosco, and Ogemaw Counties, in Michigan, could get up to 3 inches, Alpena and Presque Isle Counties up to 5 inches, and eastern Mackinac and southeast Chippewa Counties could get between 3 and 6 inches of additional snow, and “increasingly gusty winds” throughout Sunday morning until around 1 p.m. This is likely to cause drifting snow and reduced visibility.
Parts of northern Indiana, including Marshall, northern Kosciusko, and Starke Counties, should prepare for up to 4 inches and winds as high as 35 mph until Sunday night.
What People Are Saying
The NWS issued the following advice: “Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
“If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
“Snow will continue to cause slick roads and travel impacts. Overall, travelers should use extra caution and allow for extra travel time, including the possibility of moderate, prolonged snowfall at times, which may lead to hazardous travel conditions.”
What Happens Next
Residents and travelers in impacted areas are advised to continue to monitor local weather forecasts for updates, as conditions could change rapidly.
