Winter weather-related warnings were in place for at least 11 states early on Thursday, with National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists anticipating up to four feet of snow to hit some parts of the country.
Why It Matters
Heavy snowfall can lead to dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and other disruptions.
Vulnerable populations such as young infants and older adults also face increased health risks from particularly cold temperatures.
What To Know
As of Thursday morning, NWS had issued the following alerts:
- Winter Storm Warning: Signifies that hazardous winter weather conditions posing a threat to life and property are occurring, imminent, or highly likely within 12 to 48 hours.
- Winter Weather Advisory: Issued when hazardous winter weather conditions are occurring, imminent, or likely, causing significant inconvenience and potentially posing a threat to life and property if caution is not exercised.
- Winter Storm Watch: Indicates that hazardous winter weather conditions, including significant accumulations of snow, freezing rain, or sleet, are possible generally within 24 to 48 hours.
Winter storm warnings were in effect in California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and Idaho.
Meanwhile, winter weather advisories were in place in Wyoming and Montana.
Winter storm watches affected Oregon and California.
In the Greater Lake Tahoe area, the NWS said up to four feet of snow accumulation would be possible at the highest peaks along the Sierra crest. Up to 18 inches would be possible for the Sierra communities, it said. Winds could reach up to 100 miles per hour, the weather service added.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather meteorologist Grady Gilman told Newsweek: “California is currently being impacted by a powerful winter storm, bringing heavy rain and significant mountain snow that will greatly impact travel along the Pacific Coast states into Friday.
“While this storm poses travel risks and dangers, it will also provide some relief from the ongoing drought. Heavy low-elevation rain and substantial snow will continue to occur across higher elevations in the Washington and Oregon Cascades. Snow levels may drop to about 1,000 feet by Friday, potentially dusting areas around Seattle and Portland.
“Significant snowfall is forecast for the Sierra Nevada, with 2-4 feet of snow and up to seven feet in some areas, much of which has fallen since Wednesday/ through the day Thursday. This will create hazardous travel conditions and the risk of avalanches. Blizzard conditions are possible in the Sierra Nevada due to strong winds, which will also generate large waves along the Pacific Coast.”
Gigi Giralte, a meteorologist with the NWS’ Reno office said: “We are tracking more snow within this system…This storm is bringing heavier snowfall rates, and we’ve got some larger snowfall totals we’re expecting right now.”
NWS Albuquerque, New Mexico said on X, formerly Twitter, Wednesday: “A potentially historical, multi-hazard spring storm will begin to impact NM tomorrow. The main concern will be strong to damaging winds, particularly for Friday. These winds will cause blowing dust, blowing snow, and contribute to critical fire weather conditions.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories were in effect through Saturday.
Gilman told Newsweek that the storm is set to intensify as it moves into the central U.S. Friday to Saturday, delivering a varied mix of severe weather conditions including thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, dust storms, and wildfire risks.
The post Winter Weather Warnings for 11 States with 4 Feet of Heavy Snow to Hit appeared first on Newsweek.
