Winter Weather Warnings for 26 States as 22 Inches of Snow to Hit

More than half the country was under winter weather-related warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) Wednesday morning, with forecasters anticipating up to 22 inches of snow in some areas.

Why It Matters

Snow can disrupt travel and create dangerous driving conditions, while winter storms may also cause power outages.

Freezing temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults.

A bicycle covered with fresh snow is seen during the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025 in Park City, Utah.

David Becker/Getty Images

What To Know

As of Wednesday morning, winter storm warnings, meaning “a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent,” were in place for California and the Northwest, including some northern and central regions of California and Idaho. Montana, Oregon, and Washington also had winter storm warnings in place.

While the exact amount of snowfall expected varied state to state, up to 22 inches of accumulation would be possible for a portion of Central California, the NWS said.

The service added that the highest amounts were expected above 8,000 feet in elevation, but warned that travel could be “very difficult to impossible,” and that blowing snow could “significantly reduce” visibility. If possible, travel should be delayed.

“If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order,” it advised.

For Washington, the NWS said heavy snow, with up to nine inches of accumulation, was expected for the cities of Plummer, Tekoa, Pullman, La Crosse, Moscow, Uniontown, Potlatch, Colfax, Genesee, Oakesdale, and Rosalia. Wednesday morning commutes could be affected.

Meanwhile, a swath of the Central and Eastern U.S. was under winter weather advisory, which the NWS issues “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.”

States with winter weather advisories in effect included Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

An ice storm warning was in place for West Virginia, as well as for parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.

These warnings are issued when the service anticipates a quarter inch or more of ice accumulation.

Additionally, a cold weather advisory was in place for Northern Maine, with wind chills as low as 30 below expected.

What People Are Saying

NWS State College, Pennsylvania said on X: “WINTER STORM DETAILS WED: Snow develops across south central PA; narrow band of 1-3” possible

“WED NIGHT: Wintry mix of snow, sleet, & freezing rain overspreads the region

“THU: Freezing Rain tapers off as temperatures rise into the 40s”

NWS Portland, Oregon said on X: “There have been winter weather advisories and warnings issued for the area. Please be prepared for this winter weather by adjusting your plans and/or making accommodations based on the weather. The Wednesday morning commute may be impacted, so please plan accordingly.”