Millions of Americans are preparing for a severe winter storm, anticipated to deliver significant snowfall and icy conditions across multiple states. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings early Friday for a vast portion of the United States, indicating that snowfall accumulations could exceed three feet in certain locales.
The warnings come as alerts are active in California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Alaska, with the storm system predicted to intensify further. California's Mono County could see additional snowfall ranging from one to three feet above 8,000 feet, while lower elevations along U.S. Route 395 may expect four to twelve inches.
Heavy snow is also likely in the Lake Tahoe region, with eight to sixteen inches forecasted for many communities and up to three feet in elevations above 7,000 feet. The National Weather Service has cautioned, "Travel could be very difficult to impossible," and that "The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute."
Strong winds are another concern, with the NWS warning that they "could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines." This poses a significant risk for widespread power outages and further travel disruptions.
In Idaho's Mountain West, up to 18 inches of snow is expected by early Saturday, with similar amounts in Wyoming's Sierra Madre Range and Colorado's Elkhead and Park mountains. The Northeast is also bracing for the storm's impact, with up to nine inches of snow predicted for southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, and southeast New York, leading to perilous road conditions.
Winter weather advisories extend to numerous additional states, including Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Massachusetts. The NWS Weather Prediction Center highlighted a fast-moving clipper system colliding with Arctic air, leading to a swath of snow and ice.
Freezing rain may affect regions from lower Michigan to Pennsylvania, including major cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia. Meanwhile, New York City and Long Island could see four to eight inches of snow, with New York City potentially receiving its most considerable snowfall in nearly four years.
As millions gear up for post-holiday travel, road conditions are expected to be treacherous, further complicated by the storm's timing. The NWS has advised caution to travelers as this post-Christmas winter blast makes its way across the country, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared for the challenging conditions ahead.
