The National Weather Service (NWS) had winter weather-related warnings in place for six states early on Monday, with up to 2 feet of snow forecast for some parts of the United States.
Why It Matters
Freezing temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults.
Winter storms may cause power outages and snow can obstruct travel, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
What To Know
As of Monday morning, winter storm warnings, meaning “a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent,” had been issued for parts of western Washington and northwestern Wyoming.
Additionally, winter weather advisories were in place in northern Michigan, northeastern Montana, Alaska, and parts of central Idaho.
These are issued “for any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.”
While forecast snowfall varied between states, in Washington’s Holden Village and Stevens Pass, the NWS said “heavy” snow was expected above 3,000 feet, with total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet and winds gusting as high as 45 miles per hour were possible.
“The heaviest snowfall is expected overnight Monday Night into Tuesday Morning with snow rates of one inch per hour possible,” the service said, adding that travel could be very difficult.
In the South Washington Cascades, the NWS said a strong frontal system was expected to bring snow showers, at times heavy, above 4,000 feet, with up to 19 inches of snow possible.
Peak snowfall would occur Monday night through Tuesday morning, the service forecast, and it advised against backcountry recreation.
In Wyoming, the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains could see between 7 and 14 inches, with 18 to 28 inches forecast for the higher elevations of the Tetons.
“Travel could be very difficult due to falling and blowing snow over mountain passes, such as Teton and Togwotee Passes,” said the NWS.
In Montana, snow was expected to cause “inconveniences” to normal activities, with a possibility to affect the Monday-morning commute.
Affected areas included Highway 28 Tendoy to Lone Pine, Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Bannock Pass, and Lemhi Pass.
Moderate snow impacts and hazardous travel conditions were also expected around Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass and Lolo Pass.
What People Are Saying
NWS Spokane, Washington, said on X on Sunday: “Heads up, the Cascade passes will receive some snowfall starting tomorrow afternoon and lasting through Tuesday. The Methow valley will also get some wet, heavy snowfall with this round of precipitation.”
NWS Marquette, Michigan, said on X, Sunday: “A mix of light rain, light freezing and light snow will spread across the area tonight. Freezing rain potential is greatest from Marquette/Delta counties to Luce County, where there is a 40-80 percent chance of a light glaze of ice. Untreated roads will become slippery in spots.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories were in place until 4 p.m. Tuesday.
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