Winter Weather Warnings in Effect for 11 States with Snowfall of Up to Five Feet Predicted

Winter weather warnings have been issued for 11 states as a massive snowstorm is expected to deliver up to five feet of snow in some areas. The affected states are Virginia, Montana, Maryland, California, West Virginia, Idaho, Nevada, South Carolina, Colorado, Alaska, and Utah. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that travel in these regions could become extremely hazardous.

California is expected to see the heaviest snowfall, with a warning in place from 4 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Snow-covered roads and significant travel delays are anticipated during this time.

"Heavy snow is expected above 5,500 feet, with total accumulations ranging from 1 to 4 feet and up to 5 feet on higher peaks," the National Weather Service reported.

The warning applies to the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada region, Western Plumas County, and Lassen Park Counties, including Chester, Blue Canyon, and Quincy. While heavy snow is expected, its intensity is predicted to ease from late Saturday afternoon into Sunday, with periods of heavier snowfall returning Monday and Tuesday.

In Idaho, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 11 p.m. MST Saturday for areas above 7,000 feet, including the Sawtooth/Stanley Basin, Sun Valley, and Big Lost Highlands regions. These areas could see up to 13 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph, making travel challenging and possibly leading to temporary road closures.

Garrett County in Maryland and Western Highland County in Virginia are experiencing heavy wet snow and ice, with up to an inch of snow accumulation and wind gusts reaching 40 mph. In Virginia, whiteout conditions are expected, making roads, especially bridges and overpasses, hazardous. Blowing snow and strong winds could further reduce visibility, increase travel risks, and potentially cause downed power lines.

In West Virginia, a Blizzard Warning is in effect for Northwest Pocahontas and Southeast Randolph counties until 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by a Winter Storm Warning. These areas may receive up to 24 inches of snow, with strong winds increasing the risk of fallen trees and power lines. Travel conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous.

Montana is experiencing heavy snowfall, with up to 12 inches expected in mountainous areas, along with strong winds that will reduce visibility. Travelers are advised to take precautions, as tire chains may be necessary in mountain passes.

In South Carolina, Colorado, Alaska, and Utah, significant travel disruptions are anticipated, with snowfall reaching up to 36 inches in some areas over the weekend. Utah could receive up to 3 feet of snow, with winds reaching 55 mph, while Alaska could experience winds up to 40 mph and Colorado up to 35 mph. Power outages are possible in both South Carolina and Utah.

A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or expected. The NWS defines this as "5 inches or more of snow/sleet within 12 hours, 7 inches or more within 24 hours," or ice accumulation capable of damaging power lines, along with a "life-threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind."

Winter Weather Advisories are issued for less severe conditions, such as "any amount of freezing rain or 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or combined with sleet and freezing rain)," which may cause significant inconvenience but do not meet the threshold for a warning.

Image Credits- Winter Snow

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