Severe Winter Blast Triggers Travel Alerts for Countless Americans

What’s New

Millions of Americans confronted potentially difficult travel conditions as winter storm alerts and weather notifications were issued for no less than 14 states on Christmas Eve morning by the National Weather Service (NWS).

Why It Matters

Every year, millions of Americans travel during the holiday period. With Christmas approaching imminently, many individuals are likely already en route to their destinations, rendering the weather predictions for the upcoming days a vital element in determining travel arrangements.

Adverse winter conditions can render road travel dangerous and affect air travel across the country.

In some cases, it may be advisable to postpone travel plans.

What To Know

At the time of writing this article, winter storm alerts were active for areas in Alaska, Maine, Vermont, and California, with weather warnings issued in West Virginia, Nevada, Washington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New Hampshire.

The NWS states that a winter storm warning is posted “when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or anticipated.”

It also mentions that winter weather advisories are put out “for any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four inches of snow (alone or combined with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to result in a significant inconvenience.”

While snowfall varied across states, parts of Alaska were projected to receive as much as 18 inches of snow, according to the NWS.

In numerous affected regions, the service indicated that travel would be “very challenging to impossible” and might disrupt commutes on Christmas Eve, also cautioning about reduced visibility.

“If travel is unavoidable, consider bringing a winter storm kit with you, including essentials like tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets, and extra clothes. Additionally, pack water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would assist you in case you become stranded,” the NWS advised.

What People Are Saying

Brian Donegan, Fox Weather meteorologist on X, formerly Twitter: “Chance of a White Christmas = 100%. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for all of central New York once again as the next wave of snow is set to arrive overnight, bringing an additional 2-5 inches of snow atop the remaining snowpack from the weekend.”

“Anyone still commuting to work Tuesday morning will likely face slick, snow-covered roads, although the heaviest snowfall should conclude by sunrise.”

Patrick Osborn, meteorologist for WABI in Maine on X: “A Winter Storm Warning has been announced from 1:00am to 7:00pm on Tuesday for the majority of Washington County.”

“Much of the rest of Maine remains under a Winter Weather Advisory from 9:00pm Monday until 1:00pm Tuesday. Roads will be treacherous!”

What Happens Next

The NWS indicated that storm alerts for portions of Alaska would be in effect until 3 p.m. on Christmas Day.

NWS forecasts and advisories are updated routinely.

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