Five states had winter weather-related warnings in place from the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Sunday, with up to 20 inches of snow forecast to hit parts of the U.S.
Why It Matters
Freezing temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults. According to the NWS, there were 39 deaths in the U.S. in 2023 that were related to extreme winter weather.
What To Know
At the time of writing, winter weather advisories were in effect in Alaska, northwestern Montana, a portion of central Idaho, northwestern Wyoming, and a part of northern New York.
These are issued “for any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 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 snowfall levels varied between states, in Idaho’s Sawtooth-Stanley Basin and Sun Valley region, the NWs said total snow accumulations above 7,000 feet could total 5 to 10 inches, with 10 to 20 inches expected above pass level.
Travel could be difficult, particularly over Galena Summit, it said, adding that weekend travel could be affected.
In Yellowstone National Park, between 4 and 8 inches was expected. For southern Yellowstone, including the Pitchstone Plateau, the NWS said up to 12 inches of snow would be possible.
Between 6 and 12 inches were forecast for Wyoming’s Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, with up to 18 inches at the highest elevations of the Tetons expected.
The NWS warned that in Montana, wet roads in the valleys were expected to refreeze. “Slow down and use caution while traveling,” it advised.
In the eastern Lake Ontario region, the NWS said lake effect snow was expected, with additional snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches forecast in the most persistent lake snows. Higher end totals were expected across the Tug Hill plateau in New York state, said the NWS.
What People Are Saying
NWS Buffalo, New York, said on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “At 9 p.m., snow ahead of a cold front will pass across the Niagara Frontier and into the Genesee Valley this evening. Greatest snow accumulation through the evening will be to the north and east of Buffalo. Untreated roads may become slippery where snow accumulates.”
NWS Missoula, Montana, said on X, Saturday: “Icy conditions will impact northwest Montana later tonight—Sunday morning as widespread rain and cold ground temperatures cause roadways to ice up. The most difficult travel conditions are expected on secondary roadways, including gravel and dirt roads.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest winter weather advisories were in place until Monday.
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