Winter Weather Warnings in 12 States as 4 feet of Snow to Fall
Wintry conditions were forecast for at least 12 states across the U.S. on Friday, with some regions expecting up to 4 feet of snow, accompanied by strong winds and hazardous travel conditions.
Why It Matters
The storm system is part of a larger pattern affecting much of the U.S., which threatens to bring a variety of extreme weather conditions, including tornadoes in the Mississippi Valley, blizzards in the northern Plains, and high wildfire risk in Texas and Oklahoma.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that more than 100 million people might be affected.
Heavy snowfall, extreme winds, and wintry conditions can result in road closures, power outages, and flight cancellations.
What To Know
As of around 5:15 a.m. ET, winter storm warnings, meaning "a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent," were in place in parts of California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado.
Winter weather advisories were in place in Montana and Wyoming.
These are issued "for any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four 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."
Additionally, winter storm watches were issued in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, signaling the potential for hazardous winter weather in the area.
The NWS said that parts of the southern Oregon Cascades could see up to 4 feet of snowfall.
"Whiteout conditions are possible and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening," it warned.
In California's Sierra Nevada County, up to 2 feet would be possible over peaks, the NWS said, adding that the heaviest snowfall was expected in the afternoon.
"The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes," it said. "Strong winds could cause tree damage."
What People Are Saying
NWS Sacramento, California said on X, formerly Twitter, Friday: "A storm system moving through interior NorCal will bring rain, heavy snow, isolated thunderstorms, and gusty southerly winds today."
AccuWeather meteorologist Grady Gilman told Newsweek: "This storm is set to intensify as it moves into the central United States Friday-Saturday, delivering a varied mix of severe weather conditions including thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, dust storms, and wildfire risks.
"AccuWeather meteorologists forecast significant snowfall in the Rockies and the Upper Midwest/Northern Plains, with potentially difficult travel conditions on major interstates such as I-29 and I-94 from Friday into Saturday. Fargo, North Dakota, is likely to receive 6-12 inches of snow. The storm is anticipated to produce winds exceeding 35 mph, reducing visibility to less than a quarter-mile for at least three hours in some regions, meeting the National Weather Service's criteria for a blizzard."
What Happens Next
Officials are closely monitoring the system to assess its ongoing impact and potential escalation. Further updates and advisories will be issued as conditions develop.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press
Update, 3/14/25, 12:00 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
