Many states across the U.S. have been hit with winter storm warnings, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning that up to 2 feet of snow could fall, with strong winds, which could create “whiteout conditions” from Tuesday through Wednesday and into Thursday, in some cases.
What To Know
The states likely to be particularly badly affected include: Michigan, Alaska, North Dakota/Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana/Wyoming, Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia.
Michigan
Up to 8 inches of snow and 35 mph winds are expected across western Mackinac County, leading to blowing snow and possible whiteout conditions, particularly across Highway 2, lasting until Tuesday.
Alaska
Ketchikan Gateway Borough and Annette Island could see up to 8 inches of snow, and Prince of Wales Island up to 7 inches through Tuesday. The city of Hyder could get between 9 and 12 inches of snow by Wednesday morning.
North Dakota/Minnesota
Parts of northwest Minnesota and northeast and southeast North Dakota could get between 3 and 5 inches of snow, ice accumulations, and winds gusting as high as 60 mph through Tuesday until Wednesday.
Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Todd, Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs counties in Minnesota should expect up to 7 inches of snow—with the heaviest amounts likely to be north of Interstate 94—and winds as high as 40 mph until Wednesday.
Wisconsin
Calumet, Manitowoc, Winnebago, Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Outagamie, southern Oconto, Marathon, Portage, Waushara, Wood, Langlade, Lincoln, Menominee, northern Oconto, Shawano, Waupaca, Barron, Rusk, Polk, Clark, Taylor, and Chippewa counties could get up to 7 inches of snow and 35 mph winds until Tuesday night or into Wednesday morning.
Montana/Wyoming
The Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains on the Montana side should brace themselves for between 1 and 2 feet of snow and winds as high as 70 mph through Tuesday until late Wednesday afternoon. This could bring possible whiteout conditions over higher ground and an increased risk of avalanches.
The northeast Bighorn Mountains could see up to 10 inches in areas above 7,000 feet with 55 mph winds, significantly reducing visibility and impacting travel—especially along Highway 14—and the western side of the Bighorn Mountains could get up to 20 inches of snow and 50 mph winds, until Wednesday afternoon.
The Absaroka Mountains on the Wyoming side, and the Yellowstone National Park could get up to 20 inches of snow and winds between 60 and 70 mph, and the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains—including Teton Pass and Togwotee Pass, in Wyoming—could also get up to 2 feet of snow, with winds gusting up to 60 mph until Wednesday.
Up to 16 inches of snow and 70 mph wind gusts are expected along the Wind River Mountains, and up to 12 inches and 60 mph winds are expected along the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges until Wednesday afternoon.
The NWS advises all residents in these affected areas to avoid backcountry travel.
Pennsylvania
Parts of northern and north-central Pennsylvania could get up to 6 inches of snow and 35 mph winds until Wednesday night.
New York
The eastern Lake Ontario Region and northern Oneida county could get up to 7 inches of snow, and southern Erie and Wyoming counties, and the western Southern Tier, up to 8 inches and 35 mph winds until Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Hamilton, northern Fulton, and Herkimer counties might get up to 10 inches of snow, with the highest amount expected to fall north of I-90 in Herkimer.
West Virginia
Western Grant and western Pendleton counties could get up to 10 inches of snow along the highest ridges, eastern Tucker county up to 6 inches, and northwest Pocahontas, southeast Randolph, and southeast Webster up to 7 inches, with winds gusting as high as 50 mph until Thursday afternoon.
What People Are Saying
The NWS for Michigan said: “Plan on hazardous travel conditions. Gusty winds will lead to blowing and drifting snow, along with potential for whiteout conditions. Quick onsets of whiteout conditions and changing road conditions will lead to potential for the rapid onset of hazardous travel conditions.”
The NWS for North Dakota said: “Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.”
What Happens Next
Residents in affected areas should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions by continuously monitoring local forecasts.
