Winter Weather Warnings for 12 States as 17 Inches of Snow to Fall

Winter storm warnings and weather advisories are in place across 12 states due to expected snowfall, freezing rain and potentially hazardous road conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, while winter weather advisories are active in those three states as well as Ohio, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Oregon, California, Nevada and Alaska.

A winter storm warning signifies severe weather with heavy snowfall of at least 6 inches in 12 hours, or 8 inches in 24 hours, or significant sleet accumulations. A winter weather advisory indicates less severe conditions, but still warns of snow, sleet, or freezing rain capable of causing travel hazards.

Here is the latest breakdown by state:

Michigan

Michigan faces widespread winter storm warnings and advisories due to heavy lake-effect snow.

Warning Areas:

• Upper Peninsula: Counties such as Alger, Luce and Northern Schoolcraft are forecast to see 10–17 inches of snow by Friday morning. Areas like Keweenaw and Gogebic counties remain under warnings until Thursday morning, with additional snowfall up to 2 inches expected, compounded by 40 mph wind gusts.
• Northern Lower Michigan: Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet and Otsego counties are forecast to receive 8–16 inches of snow by Friday. Strong winds are expected to cause whiteout conditions, particularly near major highways.
• Western Lower Michigan: Allegan, Muskegon and Ottawa counties are under warnings through Thursday, with 1–3 inches of lake-effect snow predicted alongside gusty winds.

Advisory Areas:

• Central Michigan: Areas such as Ingham and Jackson counties may see 2–4 inches of snow by Thursday morning, with slippery roads expected.
• Northern Michigan: Counties like Alpena and Roscommon are under advisories for up to 6 inches of snow, with winds reaching 40 mph.

Wisconsin

Northern Wisconsin is bracing for heavy lake-effect snow under winter storm warnings and advisories.

Warning Areas:

• Iron County: Expected to see an additional 6 inches of snow by Thursday morning, with blowing snow reducing visibility and making roads hazardous.

Advisory Areas:

• Ashland and Bayfield Counties: Up to 1 inch of additional snow is forecast under advisories lasting through Thursday morning. Travelers are urged to exercise caution on icy roads.

Minnesota

Winter Weather Advisories are in place across parts of the state as lake-effect snow and gusty winds impact travel conditions.

Warning Areas:

• Duluth Region: Heavy lake-effect snow could lead to accumulations of 1–5 inches with gusts up to 40 mph. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 7 a.m. ET, followed by a Winter Weather Advisory until 7 p.m. Travelers should anticipate hazardous road conditions throughout the day.

Advisory Areas:

• Marquette County: Under a Winter Weather Advisory until 7 a.m. Additional snow of up to 2 inches and gusty winds will create slippery roads and blowing snow.

Ohio

Advisory Areas:

Northern Ohio counties are under advisories, with lake-effect snow projected to accumulate up to 6 inches in Ashtabula and Lake counties by Thursday morning. Gusty winds are expected to exacerbate hazardous travel conditions.

New York

Lake-effect snow is set to disrupt travel in parts of New York.

Advisory Areas:

• Northern Oneida County: Snowfall of 2–4 inches is expected through Friday, with gusts of up to 45 mph creating blowing snow.
• Livingston and Ontario Counties: Lake-effect snow could total 4–7 inches by early Friday, with significant travel disruptions likely.

West Virginia

West Virginia
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect as light snow and strong winds create hazardous travel conditions across parts of the state.

Advisory Areas:

• Western Grant and Western Pendleton Counties: Snow accumulations of up to 1 inch and wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected under an advisory lasting until 6 a.m. ET on Thursday. Slippery roads and potential tree damage are likely.
• Eastern Preston and Tucker Counties: Snow of up to 1 inch and winds gusting to 45 mph are causing blowing snow and slick roads. The advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. Thursday, creating a hazardous morning commute.
• Mercer, Summers, and Western Greenbrier Counties: Snow accumulations of up to 1 inch and gusts up to 45 mph are forecast under an advisory until 8 a.m. Thursday. Dangerous driving conditions are expected.
• Northwest Pocahontas and Southeast Randolph Counties: Snow accumulations of up to 3 inches and winds up to 50 mph are creating slippery roads and potential disruptions to the morning commute. The advisory is active until 8 a.m. Thursday.

Virginia

Advisory Areas:

In Tazewell County, snow accumulations are expected to reach 1 inch, with winds gusting to 45 mph, potentially causing slick roads and disruptions during the morning commute.

Maryland

Advisory Areas:

Snow accumulations of up to 1 inch and wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected in Garrett County, which is under an advisory lasting until 6 a.m. ET on Thursday. Travelers should exercise caution on slick roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, with gusty winds posing a risk of tree damage.

Oregon

Advisory Areas:

The foothills of the Blue Mountains may receive up to 1 inch of snow and a light glaze of ice, creating slippery conditions through Thursday.

California and Nevada

Winter Weather Advisories are active across the Sierra Nevada, affecting both eastern California and western Nevada. Snowfall and strong winds are expected to create hazardous travel conditions.

Advisory Areas:

• Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks: Up to 10 inches of snow is expected above 6,000 feet by Thursday evening.
• Northern Sierra: Snow accumulations could total 6–12 inches above 5,000 feet, with gusty winds reducing visibility.
• Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra Counties: Snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches (up to 10 inches on peaks) and ridge winds up to 50 mph are expected from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 4 p.m. PST Thursday. Slippery roads and hazardous commutes are likely.
• Lake Tahoe Area: Snowfall ranging from 1 to 4 inches at lake level and 4 to 8 inches above 7,000 feet, with gusts up to 90 mph. The advisory runs from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 4 p.m. Thursday. Travel will be difficult, and hazardous conditions on the lake are anticipated.

Alaska

Interior Alaska, including Fairbanks and Delta Junction, is under advisories from Thursday through Friday, with 4–8 inches of snow expected in some areas. Hazardous travel conditions are likely on snow-covered roads.

Travel and Safety

The NWS urges residents in affected areas to limit travel during severe weather and to carry emergency supplies such as flashlights, food and water. Motorists should prepare for sudden visibility changes and icy roads, particularly in areas impacted by lake-effect snow.

As the winter storm progresses, more updates are expected from local authorities to guide residents and travelers through potentially dangerous conditions.