Winter storm warnings have been issued in six states across the United States as heavy snowfall is expected, with some areas forecasted to receive up to 20 inches of snow.
Why It Matters
This Article Includes
During the holiday season, challenging driving conditions can potentially impact travel for many Americans as they embark on journeys across the country.
What To Know
Winter storm warnings have been issued for six states: New York, Vermont, Maryland, West Virginia, Colorado, and Wyoming.
New York
A winter weather warning has been issued for several areas in northern New York, including St. Lawrence County, Franklin, and Clinton.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a warning for up to 14 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. The strongest winds are anticipated on Thursday.
According to the NWS, power lines may be knocked down and sporadic power outages may occur due to the combination of strong winds and heavy snow on tree branches. In addition, the strong winds may lead to areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel challenging. The NWS also warns that gusty winds could result in fallen tree branches.
It is recommended that residents carry an additional flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle if they have to travel.
The warning will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Friday.
Vermont
Residents in northeast and northwest Vermont should brace themselves for a potentially hazardous weather condition. The forecast predicts a significant snowfall ranging from 4 to 14 inches, accompanied by powerful wind gusts of up to 50 mph. The peak of these strong winds is expected to occur on Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning regarding the potential impact of strong winds and heavy snowfall. They caution that these conditions could result in tree limbs falling, posing a risk of power outages. Additionally, blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility, making travel extremely challenging. There is also a concern that gusty winds could cause tree branches to break and fall.
It is highly recommended that residents keep an additional flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle if they need to travel.
The warning will continue to be in effect until 7 a.m. on Friday.
Maryland
Garrett County is currently under a winter storm warning, with forecasts predicting heavy snowfall of up to 2 inches and strong winds reaching speeds of 45 mph until 4 a.m. on Thursday. These weather conditions pose a risk of slippery roads and limited visibility, making travel hazardous.
According to the NWS, a significant amount of snow, up to 8 inches, is expected to fall through Friday and Saturday morning. Additionally, strong winds reaching up to 50 mph are anticipated. Residents are advised to exercise caution as roads and bridges may become hazardous, making travel conditions very difficult. Visibility may also be severely affected, dropping below a quarter-mile due to heavy snowfall and blowing snow. Moreover, the combination of strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs could potentially result in power lines being brought down, leading to sporadic outages.
It is recommended for residents to keep an additional flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle if they need to travel.
West Virginia
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for several counties in West Virginia. Pocahontas and Randolph Counties, Webster County, Preston and Tucker Counties, as well as Grant and Pendleton Counties are under these warnings. The NWS is alerting residents about the possibility of more snowfall, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions that are expected to persist throughout the week.
Garrett County in Maryland and Western Grant, Western Pendleton, Southeast Webster, Northwest Pocahontas, and Southeast Randolph Counties in West Virginia will continue to be under a winter storm warning until 4 a.m. Thursday. These areas may experience an additional 4 inches of snowfall, accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 50 mph. As a result, roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, are likely to become hazardous and slippery, with reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.
A winter storm watch will be in effect from late Thursday night through Saturday morning for various areas, including Southeast Webster and Southeast Randolph Counties. We can expect snowfall totals ranging from 4 to 8 inches, accompanied by strong wind gusts of up to 50 mph. These hazardous conditions have the potential to cause significant disruptions in travel, particularly during the Friday morning and evening commutes.
To stay safe during severe weather conditions, residents are advised by authorities to limit their travel whenever possible. It is also recommended to have an emergency kit in their vehicles, including essentials like a flashlight, food, and water. Keeping an eye on updates through the NWS website or local alerts is highly encouraged, and any snow or ice accumulations should be promptly reported to their offices.
Colorado
Winter weather warnings have been issued for the Elkhead and Park Mountains, as well as Rabbit Ears Pass.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a forecast for the Elkhead and Park Mountains, predicting a significant amount of snowfall. According to their forecast, the region can expect to see a total accumulation of 8 to 16 inches of snow. Additionally, strong winds with gusts of up to 40 mph are expected, which could worsen the hazards caused by blowing snow and result in reduced visibility. As a result, travel in the area, including through towns like Columbine, Hahns Peak, and Toponas, is likely to be extremely difficult. Drivers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution as the roads are expected to be slick and hazardous, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
In Rabbit Ears Pass, the snowfall is predicted to accumulate anywhere between 8 and 16 inches, accompanied by strong wind gusts of up to 45 mph. This potent combination of heavy snow and high winds may create extremely treacherous travel conditions in certain areas.
When traveling in these regions, it is strongly recommended by the NWS to take necessary precautions. Make sure to have an extra flashlight, warm clothing, and ample food and water in your vehicle in case of any emergencies. Stay informed about the current road conditions by calling 511 or visiting www.cotrip.org.
It is recommended that residents stay informed and minimize travel, as the storm is expected to have the greatest impact during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.
Wyoming
Winter storm warnings are in effect for residents and travelers in Wyoming’s mountainous regions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued these warnings as hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Thursday. According to the NWS, heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected, posing risks for both travel and outdoor recreation.
A warning for a winter storm is still in effect for the Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges until 5 p.m. MST Thursday. These regions may experience snowfall between 12 to 20 inches, along with gusts of wind reaching up to 50 mph. Due to the combination of snowfall and strong winds, visibility is expected to be severely limited, which poses significant dangers for hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers.
The Salt River and Wyoming Ranges are currently under a winter storm warning until 11 a.m. MST Thursday. We can expect heavy snowfall of 12 to 16 inches, with even greater amounts in higher elevated areas.
In the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, we can expect snow to accumulate between 12 to 16 inches. Teton Pass may receive up to 12 inches, while Togwotee Pass could see around 8 inches. As a result, we anticipate reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions due to the combination of snow and wind. These conditions are expected to persist until Thursday morning.
If you find yourself in the affected areas, the NWS strongly recommends avoiding unnecessary travel. However, if you must travel, make sure to bring along emergency supplies such as a flashlight, food, and water. Additionally, you can stay informed about the latest road conditions by calling 511.
It is important for residents and visitors to stay alert as these conditions can cause disruptions to commutes and outdoor activities. Being prepared is essential during such times.
What Happens Next
As reports circulate about a potential polar vortex, concerns are growing over the possibility of the coldest January the U.S. has experienced in years.
A polar vortex is a powerful circulation of frigid air that can bring about extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. These conditions have the potential to disrupt travel and even result in the closure of schools.
The National Weather Service (NWS) stated last week that below-normal temperatures are expected across the central and eastern parts of the United States for much of January.
