Winter storm warning as 18 inches of snow to hit

Winter weather-related alerts were in effect across multiple U.S. states as of early Wednesday, with snowfall totals expected to reach up to 18 inches in some areas.

Why It Matters

Snowfall could lead to difficult travel and dangerous driving conditions across the affected regions, the NWS warned.

What To Know

Winter storm warnings were in place for parts of central California as of Wednesday morning. The NWS said the central Sierra, mainly south of I-80, could see heavy snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches.

“Snow levels will be 5500 to 6500 feet, with heaviest snow accumulation expected off and on [Tuesday] evening and overnight … decreasing quickly by sunrise Wednesday,” the agency said, cautioning that travel could be “very difficult.”

At the time of writing, the alert was in effect until 5 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday.

In Nevada, the NWS said up to 15 inches of heavy snow was expected across the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range in Elko County.

“A storm system will impact Northern and Central Nevada [Tuesday] afternoon through Wednesday night, resulting in periods of heavy snow in the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range,” it said.

Most of the snowfall was anticipated to occur Tuesday night. According to the NWS, snow-covered roads will be likely along State Route 229 through Secret Pass, extending to Lamoille Canyon and across Harrison Pass at the southern end of the Ruby Mountains.

In Mono County, California, up to 12 inches was possible along the Sierra Crest, the NWS said.

Winter weather advisories were also in place for mountainous regions of western Wyoming early on Wednesday, including the Teton and Gros Ventre Ranges, Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, Wind River Ranges, and Absaroka Range.

Here, the NWS warned of several inches of snow and slick travel over mountain passes. It also said wintry conditions would affect hunters and those in the backcountry. The advisories were in effect until 11 p.m. Mountain time as of reporting.

What People Are Saying

The National Weather Service forecast office for Elko, Nevada, wrote on X on Tuesday: “A storm system will impact Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon through Wednesday night, resulting in periods of precipitation. Snow levels will drop to about 6,000 feet tonight. The majority of this precipitation will fall tonight.”

NWS Riverton, Wyoming, wrote on X on Tuesday: “The next weather system will bring widespread showers and a few thunderstorms during the next 48 hours. While there is still uncertainty on how much precip will fall east of the Divide, the main focus of rain and snow will be along the higher elevations of western Wyoming.”