Winter weather warnings for 7 states with travel “impossible” in parts

Heavy snow is expected across several western states today through Saturday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue several weather warnings and advisories.

The West Coast has experienced a notably cold week, with two storm systems moving in from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in snow, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures. This pattern is expected to persist over the next two days for seven states, with hazardous conditions also anticipated in parts of the northeast as well.

Alaska

One winter storm warning is in place for Alaska’s Skagway and White Pass, with as much as 9 inches of snow expected to fall between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time on Friday. The snowfall will be accompanied by 35mph wind gusts. The NWS has said travel in the area should not go ahead unless it is an emergency, and any motorists should keep an extra flashlight, food, and water with them.

Other states have winter weather advisories in place, which means there is at least an “80 percent chance of minor impacts due to winter weather conditions during
the advisory period.”

California

Numerous advisories are currently in place across parts California.

In the northern areas of Quincy, Chester, and Blue Canyon, some 4 to 10 inches of snow is expected. Motorists are urged to plan for “slick travel conditions, snow covered roads, chain controls, and travel delays,” as well as gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

In central California, up to 13 inches of snow is expected in the Yosemite Valley and surrounding areas in central California, with travel conditions expected to be “very difficult or impossible.”

Further south in Riverside County, up to 3 inches are expected throughout Friday evening with additional flurries on Saturday morning.

Montana

Seven winter weather advisories are currently active in Montana, mostly concentrated in the southeastern reaches of the state. Several inches of snow are forecast across the area, with the highest amounts of up to 10 inches anticipated along the Highway 12 Garrison to Elliston, as well as Georgetown Lake, MacDonald Pass and Homestake Pass.

Most of the advisories are in place from Friday morning or afternoon, with several lasting into Saturday.

Maine

On the East Coast, a forecast of freezing rain has prompted an advisory from the NWS across portions of “Coastal DownEast, Far Eastern, Far Northern,
and Interior DownEast Maine.” The forecaster warns that sidewalks, roads and bridges are likely to be very slippery.

Nevada

The city of Reno in Washoe County, as well as Mineral and Lyon counties, are all subject to a winter weather advisory throughout Friday afternoon until 7p.m, with rain and snow expected.

In the Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Mono County, 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected at lower elevations, with six to 10 expected in areas above 6,500ft.

Utah

Two advisories are currently active in Utah. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches are forecast for the Wasatch Mountains from Friday to Saturday afternoon. Winter driving conditions are expected on road routes, including Sardine Canyon, Parleys Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon.

In the western Uinta Mountains, between 4 and 8 inches of snow are expected throughout Friday afternoon and into Saturday. Winter driving conditions are expected along several routes, including the Mirror Lake Highway.

Wyoming

Some 4 to 6 inches of snow are expected to fall in Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains in Wyoming, with an advisory in effect from 2 a.m. local time on Friday to 8 a.m. local time on Saturday.

“Mountain passes will become slick with wintry driving conditions,” the NWS advises. “Plan to allow extra time if traveling over mountain passes.”