Winter weather warnings have been issued in four states, with blowing snow expected to hit some areas this weekend.
Why It Matters
Freezing temperatures pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults. Snow can disrupt travel and create dangerous driving conditions, while winter storms may also cause power outages.
What To Know
Winter weather advisories have been issued in New York, Alaska, Texas and Montana, warning residents of snow, ice and dangerously cold temperatures expected to impact travel and daily activities over the weekend.
In New York, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Eastern Lake Ontario region from 7 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday (EST). Lake-effect snow is expected to bring between four to seven inches of accumulation, with the highest totals anticipated on the Tug Hill Plateau. Officials have warned of difficult travel conditions caused by rapid snowfall and reduced visibility.
Alaska’s Beaufort Sea Coast and Northwest Arctic Coast will experience strong winds and blowing snow, significantly reducing visibility. The Winter Weather Advisory, in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Monday (AKST) for the Central and Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast, warns of wind gusts up to 45 mph and wind chills as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which could cause frostbite within minutes. Residents are urged to use caution while traveling, particularly in open areas. A separate advisory for the Northwest Arctic Coast, in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, warns of similar conditions with wind gusts up to 30 mph.
In Texas, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for portions of South Central Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, New Braunfels and surrounding areas, until 9 a.m. Saturday (CST). Freezing rain and drizzle could result in a light glaze of ice accumulation, making roads, bridges, and sidewalks hazardous. Authorities have advised drivers to slow down and prepare for potential power outages.
Montana is also bracing for freezing rain in Kalispell, Libby, Flathead Lake, and surrounding highways. The Winter Weather Advisory, in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday (MST), predicts ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch, which could make travel treacherous, especially on secondary and dirt roads.
Officials across all affected regions are urging residents to take precautions, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated on road conditions. The latest weather and travel updates can be found by calling 511 or visiting local transportation websites.
What People Are Saying
NWS Buffalo said on X: “Not as cold this weekend with temperatures around the freezing mark both Saturday and Sunday. We will still have a little lake effect snow, mainly east of Lake Ontario.”
NWS Fairbanks said on X: “We have issued a Blizzard Warning for the Northwest Arctic Coastline. A look at the Point Lay webcam courtesy of the FAA shows near 0 visibility. These conditions are expected to continue through Sunday as northeast winds brings snow from over the ice.”
NWS Austin/San Antonio said on X: “Drizzle and light rain continue with temperatures at or just above freezing for most. There have been some reports of light icing already and we expect an uptick in icing through the overnight hours.”
NWS Missoula said on X: “Rain is on track this weekend, increasing the risk of icy gravel and dirt roads Saturday–Sunday. Icy patches may form where subsurface temps stay below freezing. Drive with caution: Slow down, watch for black ice and check road updates.”
What Happens Next
Forecasts are subject to change, with the NWS regularly issuing updates on its website.
The post Winter Weather Warnings in 4 States As Blowing Snow To Strike appeared first on Newsweek.
