Winter Weather Warnings in 7 States as 4 Feet of Snow Expected to Fall
Winter weather-related warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) were in place for seven states on Sunday, with forecasters expecting up to 4 inches of snow to fall in some parts of the country.
Large parts of the Central and Eastern U.S. are reeling from a significant storm system that has left more than 30 people dead.
Why It Matters
Heavy snowfall, extreme winds, and wintry conditions can result in road closures, power outages, and flight cancellations.
Vulnerable groups, such as infants and older adults, face increased health risks from particularly cold weather.
What To Know
As of Sunday morning, there were winter storm warnings in place for parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
The NWS issues winter storm warnings to signal that "a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent."
There were also winter weather advisories in place for parts of Wyoming and Michigan.
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."
While forecast snowfall varied across the country, the NWS said up to 4 feet could fall across high peaks in California's Western Plumas County and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Winds could gust as high as 75 miles per hour, the service added.
"Travel could be very difficult to impossible," the NWS warned. "The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage."
The service added that the heaviest snowfall was expected Sunday night, with rates up to 2 to 3 inches per hour possible at times.
If travel was absolutely necessary, the NWS advised taking along a winter storm kit and being prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
What People Are Saying
The NWS forecast office at Gaylord, Michigan, posted to X: "Expecting rain to change to snow this AM from W to E, with a more intense swath of wet/dense snow to develop over the area, bringing rapid accumulations of 3-6" by afternoon. Position of swath could still shift. Travel to become hazardous. Drive safe."
NWS Pocatello, Idaho, said on X on Saturday: "Additional weather-related advisories have been issued for Sunday. In addition to rain and snow, expect breezy conditions to continue! Secure loose outdoor objects, and be alert of pockets of blowing snow if traveling."
NWS Medford, Oregon, said on X: "Heavy snow expected through Sunday across the S. Oregon Cascades, and Siskiyou County mountains. Light to moderate snow mixed with rain at times expected east of the Cascades. Prepare for winter driving conditions."
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest winter storm warnings were in place until noon Tuesday. The latest winter weather advisory was in place until Monday.
