Winter weather-related warnings were in place for 17 states from the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Thursday, with meteorologists forecasting “heavy snow” for some parts of the country.
Why It Matters
The U.S. has faced a slew of winter storms this season.
Freezing temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults. Additionally, winter storms may cause power outages and snow can obstruct travel, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Winter storm warnings, which the NWS issues when “a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent,” were in effect in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky, as well as isolated parts of Utah and Wyoming.
Heavy snow, with accumulations between five and eight inches was forecast for southwest Wyoming, with the NWS warning that roads, bridges and overpasses would likely become slick and hazardous.
In Utah, up to seven inches was possible in northern Wasatch Front.
“Persons should consider delaying travel, if possible. If travel is necessary, drive with extreme caution,” the NWS said.
For Virginia’s Tazewell County, and West Virginia’s Mercer, Summers, and Western Greenbrier Counties, between two and four inches was expected, along with winds gusting as high as 40 miles per hour.
“If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility,” warned the NWS.
“Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination.”
In Kentucky, “scattered to numerous snow showers” were expected in east central, northeast, south central, and southeast portions of the state.
There were also winter weather advisories—issued for any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning”—in place in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, South Carolina, and Montana—which also had a blizzard warning in place for Eastern Glacier National Park and the adjacent foothills and plains.
What People Are Saying
NWS Great Falls, Montana said on X, Wednesday: “Blowing and drifting snow is impacting portions Judith Basin/Fergus Counties this evening. Expect localized visibility reductions below a mile, slippery roads, and potential partial lane blockages, especially near Eddies Corner and Denton.”
NWS Baltimore-Washington said on X, Wednesday: “With today’s snow moving southeast of the region, the focus turns to the snow expected to impact the area tomorrow. While amounts will be light outside of the mountains, the anteceding cold temperatures combined with snow could impact the morning commute.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest winter storm warnings were in place until Friday, while the latest winter weather advisories were in place until Saturday.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com