Winter weather warnings for 23 states with travel “difficult to impossible”

Winter weather warnings are in place for 23 states this weekend, with forecasters warning that travel conditions could range from difficult to impossible.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), residents in states including Idaho, Pennsylvania and New York, among others, should exercise caution when traveling over the weekend amid icy conditions on the roads. Mixed precipitation is also expected in some states, which occurs when a combination of different types of precipitation, such as rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow, fall together or in quick succession during a weather event.

It comes amid a cold front which is sweeping across the country and has brought a string of storms.

“The cold blast will feel like January and will deliver a significant shock to hundreds of millions of people who may have gotten used to warm conditions during much of the autumn,” AccuWeather’s lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.

Idaho

Parts of Lemhi County and central Idaho are set for heavy snow on Sunday. Winter weather warnings are in place until 11 a.m. on Sunday, with winds expected to reach up to 50 mph, while up to 6 inches of snow is expected.

“Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches,” the NWS said. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

West Virginia

Winter Weather Advisories are in place in several parts of the state, including Preston County, Pocahontas County, and Jefferson County, as well as in Webster, Fayette, Nicholas, and Raleigh Counties, among others.

Meanwhile, Winter Storm Warnings are in place in Grant, Mineral, and Pendleton Counties, and Pocahontas and Randolph Counties, as well as in Tucker County.

The warnings are in place until December 16 at 1 a.m. EST. The NWS has warned of freezing rain, mixed with sleet or snow at times, and ice accumulation of one to two tenths of an inch, as well as snow and sleet accumulations of an inch or less. Roads could be slippery as a result, the NWS said.

“Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury,” the advisory said.

Wyoming

Wyoming is under multiple winter weather alerts, with heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions expected across the state.

The Bighorn Mountains West are forecasted to receive 6-10 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 50 mph, making travel through Granite and Powder River Passes challenging. Meanwhile, Yellowstone National Park could see up to 14 inches of snow in higher elevations, potentially rendering travel impossible in some areas.

Jackson Hole is expecting 2-5 inches of snow with gusts up to 30 mph, while the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains may receive over a foot of snow, with up to 18 inches in higher elevations and gusts of 35 mph creating dangerous conditions on Teton Pass. The Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, along with the Western Wind River Mountains, are set to see 6-12 inches of snow, with some areas exceeding a foot and gusts of 50 mph making mountain passes like Salt River and South Pass nearly impassable. Travelers are advised to carry emergency supplies and check road conditions before heading out.

Maryland

Maryland is under winter weather alerts, with mixed precipitation, snow, and ice expected to create hazardous travel conditions. Snow and sleet accumulations of 1-4 inches, with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches in western Allegany and Garrett Counties, are forecasted. Ice accumulations could reach up to two-tenths of an inch in lower elevations and as much as a third of an inch in higher areas. Precipitation will transition to freezing rain and drizzle, particularly in valleys and ridges, through early Monday morning. Roads, bridges and overpasses are likely to become slick, with impacts on the Monday morning commute. Travelers are urged to exercise caution and delay travel if possible.

Pennsylvania

Winter Weather Advisories are in effect across Pennsylvania from Sunday, December 15, into Monday, December 16, 2024, with widespread mixed precipitation expected to disrupt travel and infrastructure. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are forecast, creating hazardous road conditions and the potential for isolated power outages and tree damage. Snow totals will range from less than an inch to 4 inches, with ice accumulations up to a quarter inch on ridgetops.

In Somerset County, heavy mixed precipitation is expected from 7 a.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday, with up to 0.25 inches of ice on higher terrain, potentially causing power outages and tree damage. Central Pennsylvania counties like Blair, Cambria, and Juniata may see up to 2 inches of snow and a light glaze of ice from Sunday morning through early Monday. Northern Pennsylvania counties, including Potter, Tioga, and Clinton, will experience 2 to 4 inches of snow and light ice glazing from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.

Eastern Pennsylvania, such as Carbon and Monroe Counties, will see 1 to 3 inches of snow starting Sunday night, transitioning to sleet and freezing rain before changing to rain by Monday morning. Western counties, like Erie and Crawford, will face freezing rain and light snow Sunday morning, shifting to rain by midday. In southwestern Pennsylvania, including Fayette and Westmoreland Counties, light snow and a glaze of ice are expected through early Monday.

Slippery road conditions, especially on bridges, overpasses, and higher elevations, will make travel dangerous. Areas with heavier ice accumulations may see isolated power outages and tree damage. The Sunday evening and Monday morning commutes are likely to be treacherous. Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, drive cautiously, and carry an emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, food, and water.

Washington

Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for various parts of Washington. The Upper and Lower Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades are expected to receive 4 to 8 inches of snow from Sunday night to Monday afternoon, making travel challenging. Snow is also forecast for the Northwest Blue Mountains, with 3 to 8 inches above 4000 feet and gusty winds up to 35 mph. Additionally, Stevens Pass and the North Central Cascades may see up to 5 inches of snow, creating slippery road conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution, and check road conditions regularly. It’s advised to winterize vehicles and carry an emergency kit with essentials.

Montana

Montana is experiencing a series of Winter Weather Advisories, impacting various regions across the state today. Central, north-central, and southwest Montana are seeing snow accumulations of up to 2 inches, with 2 to 4 inches near the continental divide. Winds are expected to gust up to 45 mph, creating potentially hazardous conditions. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slick, and travelers should exercise caution until 11 a.m. MST today.

In eastern Toole, Liberty, Hill, and northern Blaine counties, light snow and ice accumulations are expected, with up to 1 inch of snow and a light glaze of ice. Slippery road conditions are anticipated, and travelers should remain cautious until 11 a.m. MST today.

In the Big Belt, Bridger, Castle, Little Belt, and Highwood mountains, snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are possible, along with winds gusting up to 40 mph. Slippery roads are expected, particularly in higher elevations, until 5 p.m. MST today. Meanwhile, in the Gallatin, Madison, and Centennial mountains, snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches could make travel difficult over mountain passes such as Targhee and Raynolds, lasting until 5 p.m. MST.

For the Missoula and Bitterroot areas, up to 3 inches of snow is likely, with minor to moderate travel disruptions, especially in areas like Highway 12 and Lolo Pass, until 11 a.m. MST. In south-central and southeast Montana, mixed precipitation, including freezing rain and up to 2 inches of snow, is expected. Gusty winds and slick roads, especially on bridges and overpasses, will create hazardous conditions until 11 p.m. MST Sunday.

Travelers throughout Montana are advised to slow down and use caution.

North Dakota

North Dakota residents can expect freezing drizzle and mixed precipitation. In northeast North Dakota, including Towner, Cavalier, Benson, Ramsey, and surrounding counties, light freezing drizzle is expected, creating a light glaze of ice. This will make sidewalks, roads, and bridges very slippery until 9 a.m. CST Sunday.

Central and southeast North Dakota, including Cass, Ransom, Sargent, Richland, Barnes, Griggs, Steele, and Trail counties, are also experiencing freezing drizzle, leading to slippery conditions on roads and walkways until 9 a.m. CST.

In northwest and southwest North Dakota, including Williams, McKenzie, Dunn, Stark, Divide, and surrounding counties, mixed precipitation is expected, with ice accumulations of up to two-tenths of an inch and up to 1 inch of snow. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph, and conditions will remain hazardous until 6 p.m. CST Sunday.

Utah

A warning is in place for between 4 and 9 inches of snow in the Wasatch Mountains and Western Uinta Mountains until 3 p.m. MST on Sunday, with winter driving conditions expected.

“Slow down and use caution while traveling,” the NWS said.

Oregon

Oregon is experiencing Winter Weather Advisories and storm watches for the Cascades and surrounding areas. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for northern and central Oregon Cascades above 3500 feet, with snow accumulations up to two inches expected until 10 a.m. PST Sunday. Travel could be hazardous with slippery conditions.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Cascades and surrounding areas from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. Heavy snow is possible, with total snow accumulations reaching up to 20 inches at higher elevations. This could lead to difficult or even impossible travel, potentially impacting the Monday morning and evening commutes. Snowfall will be heaviest early Monday morning.

Additional advisories are in effect for other regions, including the east slopes of the Cascades, where snow accumulations of 2-4 inches and winds gusting up to 40 mph are expected until 10 a.m. PST today. A Winter Storm Watch for these areas could bring 7-14 inches of snow and difficult travel conditions, particularly with low visibility.

Travelers are urged to take precautions, including winterizing vehicles, using snow tires, and carrying emergency kits. The public is advised to monitor the latest weather updates and road conditions, especially when traveling in affected areas.

Alaska

Alaska is under several Winter Weather Advisories with snow and hazardous conditions expected through Sunday night and Monday morning.

In the Copper River Basin, snow accumulations of 4-8 inches south and west of Gulkana, and 5-10 inches to the north and east are forecast, with heavy snow intensifying Sunday morning and wind chills as low as 35 below zero, creating hazardous travel conditions. The Valdez to Thompson Pass area is expected to see 10-15 inches of snow, with snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour, reducing visibility and making travel difficult. Cordova will receive 5-10 inches of snow, with snowfall rates up to 1-2 inches per hour. The Eastern Alaska Range, south of Trims Camp, is expecting 6-11 inches of snow, with similar snowfall rates.

New Jersey

New Jersey is under Winter Weather Advisories due to mixed precipitation expected through Monday morning. In Western Passaic County, light snow and ice accumulations of up to a glaze are possible, with snow totals under one inch. In Warren County and Sussex County, up to one inch of snow and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch are anticipated. Snow may mix with sleet and freezing rain before transitioning to rain Monday morning. Slippery road conditions are expected. Travelers are advised to slow down and check local road conditions.

Michigan

Michigan locals have been warned about freezing rain and ice accumulations. In Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties, freezing rain could lead to ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch until 9 a.m. EST on Sunday, making roads, bridges, and overpasses slick. Similar conditions are expected across other areas, including portions of central, south-central, and southwestern Michigan, where additional ice accumulations may occur. Light freezing rain and drizzle could also impact travel in northern Michigan counties like Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Wexford.

Massachusetts

A Winter Weather Advisory is in place in Hampden County until 11 a.m. EST on Monday.

According to the NWS, light freezing rain could result in icy roadways, mkaing roads slippery. Residents are urged to exercise caution when travelling.

Connecticut

Connecticut is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 1 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST on December 16 due to mixed precipitation. Litchfield County and parts of northern Fairfield, northern New Haven, and northern Middlesex counties will experience light snow (up to 1 inch) and light ice accumulation, resulting in slippery roads. Freezing rain may create hazardous conditions, especially during the Monday morning commute, before transitioning to rain as temperatures rise above freezing in the afternoon.

New York

New York is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 1 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST on December 16. Dutchess and eastern Ulster counties will experience mixed precipitation, including up to 1 inch of snow and light ice accumulation. The conditions could create slippery roadways, especially during the Monday morning commute. Light freezing rain may also develop, leading to slick travel. Precipitation is expected to transition to rain as temperatures rise above freezing in the afternoon.

Ohio

Ohio is under a Winter Weather Advisory until noon EST today due to freezing rain. Ice accumulations are expected to form a light glaze making driving hazardous. Snow will quickly transition to freezing rain as warmer air moves in. By midday, temperatures are expected to rise, changing the freezing rain to plain rain. Drivers should slow down, avoid unnecessary travel, and be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially when walking outside.

Virginia

Virginia is under a Winter Weather Advisory until 12:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. Sunday, depending on the region, due to a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Ice accumulations could reach up to two-tenths of an inch, with sleet and snow accumulations generally under an inch. The precipitation will primarily be freezing rain, which may make roads and sidewalks slippery, especially in areas where temperatures are below freezing. The weather may cause hazardous travel conditions, including icy roadways and potential tree damage. The wintry mix will transition to rain as temperatures rise. Travelers are advised to slow down and exercise caution on the roads, and to check local conditions.

North Carolina

North Carolina is under a Winter Weather Advisory until 12:00 p.m. today due to a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. The main concern is freezing rain, with ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch, and potentially higher amounts in some areas, particularly near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sleet may mix in at times but will accumulate less than an inch. The weather could create slippery conditions on roads, bridges, and sidewalks, with the risk of tree damage in some areas. Travelers are advised to slow down, be cautious, and monitor road conditions.

South Dakota

South Dakota is under an advisory until 5:00 p.m. MST today due to light freezing rain, mixed with snow later. Ice accumulations will be around a light glaze, with up to one inch of snow expected by the afternoon. Gusty winds up to 45 mph could bring down tree branches. Slippery roads, sidewalks, and bridges are likely, making travel hazardous.

Wisconsin

A warning is in place in Langlade, Lincoln, Northern Marinette County, and Northern Oconto County Counties until 9 a.m. CST today. This is due to freezing rain.

The NWS has warned that roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Very slippery sidewalks, roads and bridges are also possible.

“Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury,” the advisory said.

Minnesota

Minnesota is experiencing multiple alerts due to freezing drizzle, which is creating hazardous travel and outdoor conditions across various regions of the state. Ice accumulations are expected to result in a light glaze on roads, bridges, and sidewalks.

The affected areas include central, north central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota.

The advisories are in effect until 9:00 a.m. Sunday CST for most areas, but they extend until 3:00 p.m. CST for Carlton, South St. Louis, and parts of the North Shore, including higher terrain and elevated areas like the Duluth hill region.

Those in areas of higher terrain may see slightly more ice accumulation. If you’re traveling or heading outdoors, use caution as icy surfaces increase the risk of slips and falls.

Residents are urged to slow down and drive cautiously.

California

Advisories have been issued in portions of Shasta County and Colusa County, as well as in Trinity County. The advisories are in place until 3 a.m. PST on Tuesday and 10 p.m. PST in Trinity County.

According to the National Weather Service, up to 12 inches of snow is expected in all 3 counties, as well as wind gusts as high as 45 mph.