Winter storm warnings have been issued as up to 24 inches of snow is expected to strike five states overnight Tuesday into Wednesday and Thursday. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that “severe winter weather conditions will make travel extremely dangerous.”
States Affected By Winter Storms
The NWS has issued winter storm warnings to Alaska, Maine, Colorado, California, and Wyoming, and has advised those in affected areas to “consider delaying travel.”
Alaska
Areas of the interior Kuskokwim Delta are expected to get an additional 2 inches of snow and experience 35 mph winds overnight Tuesday, with the snowfall expected to end early Wednesday morning.
The northern Bristol Bay Coast and the western Capes are also forecast to get another 2 inches of snow with 40 mph winds until Wednesday.
According to the NWS, blowing snow could reduce visibility to half a mile or less.
Maine
Between 5 and 8 inches of snow could fall on the coastal and central parts of Washington, as well as the coastal and interior parts of Hancock, by Wednesday night, with localized higher amounts possible.
Southern Penobscot county could get up to 4 inches of snow by early Wednesday evening, with the “hazardous conditions” expected to impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
Colorado
Park Range—including Rabbit Ears Pass—and the Elkhead and Park Mountains could get between 6 and 15 inches of snow, with up to 20 inches expected across the highest peaks, from Wednesday morning until Thursday.
California
Between 12 and 18 inches of snow could fall in areas above 7,000 feet, and up to 24 inches is expected in the highest elevations across the Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, upper San Joaquin River, and the Yosemite National Park by Wednesday afternoon. The heaviest snowfall is expected overnight Tuesday through Wednesday morning.
Wyoming
The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges could see between 12 and 20 inches of snow from Wednesday morning until mid-Thursday morning. The NWS has warned that “Outdoor recreation could become life-threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions. Hikers and snowmobilers may easily become disoriented.”
Advice For Winter Storms
The NWS has warned that if people aren’t prepared for extreme winter weather conditions, “frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly.”
If travel is “absolutely necessary,” motorists should call 511 for the latest local road conditions before they set off. They should allow extra time to reach their destination, drive slowly, leave plenty of space between vehicles, avoid sudden braking, prepare for sudden changes in visibility and exercise extreme caution on hills or when making turns.
They should also make sure that their vehicles are in good working order and take a winter storm kit with them on their journey, which should include everything they may need in the event of an emergency or should they become stranded. The NWS advises that travelers might want to take items such as tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water, and high-energy, non-perishable food.
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