Bitter conditions are continuing throughout a slew of states as a cold front continues its way over the U.S., prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue numerous winter weather warnings and advisories.
Millions of Americans across nine states are forecast to be impacted by poor weather throughout Wednesday, with up to 32 inches of snow falling in some areas. Poor driving conditions are expected in areas under advisories, with downed tree branches and power outages possible for some parts.
North Dakota
Almost all of North Dakota is currently covered by either a winter storm warning or winter weather advisory, with wind gusts of up to 50mph expected at higher elevations in north and central North Dakota until 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Advisories also warn of high winds and several inches of snow, with 2 to 5 inches expected in Divide, Mountrail and Williams counties, and up to 8 inches in Benson, Cavalier, Ramsey, and Towner counties.
“Travel will be very difficult,” the NWS warns. “Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce the visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.”
Stock image of a person walking in a snowstorm in Wiseman, Alaska. Weather warnings and advisories are in place across western and northern states throughout Wednesday.
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South Dakota
Neighboring South Dakota will also be impacted by snow. Clark, Day, Marshall, and Roberts counties can expect anywhere between 1 and 7 inches of snow throughout Wednesday. Kingsbury, Lake, and Miner counties are forecast to get up to 4 inches of snow from now until 6 p.m. local time.
California
Northern California is currently subject to warnings and advisories as well. One warning is currently active for Trinity County, where 50mph winds and 8 inches of snow are possible. The NWS warns that these strong winds could cause “extensive damage” to trees and power lines in the area.
Travel is expected to be difficult. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the NWS advises.
Oregon
Several winter storm warnings are currently active throughout the Oregon Cascades and Klamath, Jackson and Douglas counties, where up to 32 inches—nearly 3 feet—of snow is possible with winds as high as 75mph.
The NWS warns: “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.”
Washington
Multiple warnings and advisories are currently in effect in Washington, with most of the western and central counties covered. The highest snow accumulations are expected in the Eastern Cascades, with up to 16 inches forecast until 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
Elsewhere, Okanogan County and Chelan County may get up to 12 inches of snow throughout this morning and into the afternoon until 4 p.m. The NWS warns there could be sporadic power outages due to downed branches falling on power lines.
Montana
While Montana is expected to see plenty of snowfall throughout Wednesday, only winter weather advisories are currently active there, particularly in the west of the Treasure State. Snowfall will be comparatively light in Daniels, Dawson, Western Roosevelt and Wibaux counties, where one inch is forecast. Elsewhere, particularly at higher elevations in the Sapphire Mountains, up to 10 inches could fall throughout Wednesday morning.
Minnesota
Further east in Minnesota, high winds and snow are forecast for the north west of the state. Across the Red River Valley and surrounding areas, up 5 inches of snow are forecast coupled with wind gusts of up to 45mph. Lesser amounts are expected in Douglas, Pope, Traverse and Stevens counties, but winds are expected to remain high.
Alaska
Blizzard conditions are expected in Kivalina and Red Dog Dock, as well as in the Baldwin Peninsula, Shishmaref and Bering Strait Coast until 3 p.m. Wednesday with total snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches and gusts of wind as high as 65mph.
Idaho
One winter storm warning is currently active in Idaho, along with several winter weather advisories. The warning covers the Sawtooth/Stanley Basin, as well as the Sun Valley Region, Big Lost Highlands and Copper Basin and lasts from 5 a.m. on Wednesday to 5 a.m. on Friday. Up to 2 feet are forecast to fall at elevations higher than 8,000 feet. High winds could also lead to blowing and drifting snow, the NWS warned.
Advisories are in place from the central regions up to the Canadian border. Across these parts, up to 6 inches are expected in lower areas while as much as 12 inches could fall in more mountainous parts.
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