Winter storm warnings and advisories are in place across 14 states, with up to 7 feet of snow set to hit some mountain areas, bringing travel chaos just before Thanksgiving.
The six warnings cover parts of Colorado, Idaho, Alaska, California, Oregon and Nevada, while advisories cover areas in Michigan, Maine, Wyoming, New York, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Mexico and Minnesota. Many will be in place until Wednesday, on a week when millions of Americans are planning to travel to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families.
Hanford’s National Weather Service (NWS) office forecast that snow could accumulate up to 7 feet in the highest mountains in central California, while Las Vegas’ National Weather Service (NWS) office forecast that around 6 feet of snow will accumulate at the highest peaks in the Eastern Sierra slopes in Nevada, as wind gusts reach 40 mph.
More From Newsweek Vault: 5 Steps to Build an Emergency Fund Today
“Travel will become difficult to impossible due to snow and blowing snow,” the NWS said. “Roof damage is possible due to the weight of heavy snow.”
Snow comes down on trees and a road during a storm on Nov. 21, 2024, at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort in Norden, Calif. There are multiple winter weather warnings and advisories in place.
AP
Multiple other warnings cautioned people about travel, including one covering West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties.
More From Newsweek Vault: Find the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts, Investing Advice, Social Security News and More
“Snow-covered roads, chain controls and travel delays are likely which will result in very difficult travel at times above 5,500 feet,” Sacramento’s NWS said.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, Denver’s office warned about “significant travel disruptions and road closures” with snow “relatively persistent” from Monday to late on Wednesday evening.
In California, where a storm warning covers a central part of the state, roads “and especially bridges and overpasses” are expected to become “slick and hazardous” making travel “very difficult to impossible.”
More From Newsweek Vault: Online Banks vs. Traditional Banks: Learn the Differences
Hanford’s NWS office said: “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
“Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.
“Persons should delay all travel if possible. 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.”
An advisory covering portions of northern New York and central and eastern Vermont has also warned about difficult travel, with “icy road conditions” expected to “impact the Tuesday morning commute.”
Drivers have been told to use caution while traveling and pay attention to the latest road conditions for the state.
Newsweek has contacted the NWS for comment.
