Winter Storm Warning–24 Inches of Snow Makes ‘Travel Extremely Dangerous’

Winter storm warnings have been issued as as much as 24 inches of snow is anticipated to strike 5 states in a single day Tuesday into Wednesday and Thursday. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that “severe winter weather conditions will make travel extremely dangerous.”

States Affected By Winter Storms

The NWS has issued winter storm warnings to Alaska, Maine, Colorado, California, and Wyoming, and has suggested these in affected areas to “consider delaying travel.” 

Alaska

Areas of the inside Kuskokwim Delta are anticipated to get an extra 2 inches of snow and expertise 35 mph winds in a single day Tuesday, with the snowfall anticipated to finish early Wednesday morning. 

The northern Bristol Bay Coast and the western Capes are additionally forecast to get one other 2 inches of snow with 40 mph winds till Wednesday. 

According to the NWS, blowing snow may scale back visibility to half a mile or much less. 

Maine

Between 5 and eight inches of snow may fall on the coastal and central elements of Washington, in addition to the coastal and inside elements of Hancock, by Wednesday night time, with localized greater quantities doable. 

Southern Penobscot county may rise up to 4 inches of snow by early Wednesday night, with the “hazardous conditions” anticipated to influence the Wednesday morning and night commutes. 

Colorado

Park Range—together with Rabbit Ears Pass—and the Elkhead and Park Mountains may get between 6 and 15 inches of snow, with as much as 20 inches anticipated throughout the best peaks, from Wednesday morning till Thursday.

California

Between 12 and 18 inches of snow may fall in areas above 7,000 ft, and as much as 24 inches is anticipated within the highest elevations throughout the Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, higher San Joaquin River, and the Yosemite National Park by Wednesday afternoon. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated in a single day Tuesday via Wednesday morning. 

Wyoming

The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges may see between 12 and 20 inches of snow from Wednesday morning till mid-Thursday morning. The NWS has warned that “Outdoor recreation could become life-threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions. Hikers and snowmobilers may easily become disoriented.”  

Advice For Winter Storms

The NWS has warned that if folks aren’t ready for excessive winter climate situations, “frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly.” 

If journey is “absolutely necessary,” motorists ought to name 511 for the newest native street situations earlier than they set off. They ought to enable additional time to succeed in their vacation spot, drive slowly, go away loads of house between automobiles, keep away from sudden braking, put together for sudden adjustments in visibility and train excessive warning on hills or when making turns. 

They must also make it possible for their automobiles are in good working order and take a winter storm package with them on their journey, which ought to embrace all the things they could want within the occasion of an emergency or ought to they turn into stranded. The NWS advises that vacationers may wish to take gadgets similar to tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets, additional clothes, water, and high-energy, non-perishable meals.