The National Weather Service has issued a slew of winter weather warnings and advisories as snow, freezing rain and high winds are expected across 16 states this weekend.
Why It’s Important
Severe winter weather conditions come during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as millions travel home following Christmas celebrations on Friday.
On the West Coast and inland as far as Colorado and Utah, snow, rainfall and gusty winds have been forecast. In the northeast, bitter temperatures coupled with rain will make for hazardous icy conditions along roads.
What To Know
California
Northeastern California will very likely see snow and gusty winds this weekend. Lower elevations around Lake Tahoe will see around 4 inches of snow on Friday, which will be accompanied by gusts of up to 55 mph.
Colorado
Winter weather warnings are in place across parts of central northern Colorado, where up to 10 inches of snow are expected to fall throughout Friday and into Saturday, particularly in mountainous areas.
“It is strongly recommended to alter travel plans during the storm. Travel is expected to become very difficult to impossible,” the NWS warns. “If you must travel, take 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.”
Connecticut
Bitter temperatures will result in freezing rain, bringing icy conditions to areas along the state border with Massachusetts.
“Very slippery sidewalks, roads and bridges are possible, which could make for hazardous travel conditions,” the NWS warns.
Idaho
As much as 14 inches of snow are forecast by the NWS to fall across much of Idaho throughout Friday as well as wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Commuting on Friday is likely to be impacted, with the warning in place until 5 p.m. MST.
Massachusetts
In the east, two weather advisories are active in Massachusetts. While snow isn’t expected, freezing rain is likely in numerous inland counties in the western, central and northeastern parts of the state until 1 p.m. EST on Friday.
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the NWS warned. “Very slippery sidewalks, roads and bridges are possible.”
Montana
A combination of freezing rain and snow is expected in Montana, particularly around the northeastern and southeastern reaches of the state. Freezing rain is likely to make conditions difficult throughout the north east, while snow up to 9 inches of snow coupled with wind gusts of 40 mph are forecast down by the Idaho and Wyoming border.
Nevada
Snow is expected for Nevadans in central and northern areas. The highest peaks could see as much as 20 inches of snow, particularly in the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, while lower elevations can expect a couple of inches throughout
The snow will be coupled with wind gusts ranging between 15 mph and 45 mph, which the NWS warns “could bring down tree limbs and may “cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.”
New Jersey
Freezing rain is currently forecast for northeast New Jersey, where cold temperatures and precipitation are expected to cause ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch. The NWS warns that “very slippery sidewalks, roads, and bridges are possible.”
New York
Similar freezing rain and slippery hazardous conditions are expected across the border in the state of New York.
Pennsylvania
More freezing rain is likely in Pennsylvania, particularly in the north and northeastern parts of the state neighboring New York and New Jersey. The poor conditions are expected to begin on Friday evening and last overnight into Saturday morning.
Oregon
Multiple advisories are currently in place in Oregon. Central and southeastern parts of the state will be the worst affected by snow, where up to nine inches of snow are expected in mountainous areas, with up to 4 inches of snow throughout lower elevations.
Utah
Heavy snow is expected in Utah’s central regions, with poor conditions likely to last well into Saturday evening. In the worst impacted mountainous areas, up to 16 inches of snow is expected to fall on Friday, with another 16 inches forecast for Saturday.
Vermont
Much like other northeastern states, freezing rain is forecast to hit the southernmost parts of Vermont from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Washington
Stormy weather will bring heavy snow to the Cascade Mountains in Washington on Friday, with up to 20 inches expected at the highest elevations. Roads through the mountains may become difficult to pass, particularly when snowfall is paired with gusty winds.
“Significant snowfall with periods of heavy snowfall rates will combine with low visibility to create very difficult driving conditions,” the NWS warns.
Wisconsin
“Areas of freezing drizzle and light freezing rain” are forecast within and around the Green Bay Area of Wisconsin throughout Friday morning. Conditions are expected to improve as the morning continues, although slippery roads and sidewalks remain possible.
Wyoming
Western Wyoming will see heavy and drifting snow throughout Friday and well into the weekend, the NWS has said. Numerous weather warnings and advisories are in place, with snow amounts as high as 36 inches expected in the Wind River Mountains and Absaroka Mountains areas.
The post Winter Weather Warnings in 16 States as 3 Feet of Snow To Hit appeared first on Newsweek.
