Winter weather warnings in 6 states as travel to become ‘dangerous’

Monday is the start of a bitter week for millions of Americans, particularly those in western and northern states, as winter conditions settle in.

Numerous winter storm warnings and weather advisories are in place across California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho as cold air sweeps in from the Pacific Ocean, bringing with it snow and cold temperatures. It follows a chilly spell last week due to the arrival of two storm systems.

The Weather Channel meteorologist Robb Ellis said an “upper-level trough” coming in from the Pacific Ocean is going to bring rain and snow from Sunday through to the middle of the week. Temperatures will drop to around freezing in some parts, getting even colder overnight as the week continues.

California

Several winter storm warnings are in place for parts of Northern California, mostly across Modoc and Siskiyou counties, where up to 18 inches of snow and 40 mph wind gusts are expected. Warnings are in place until 10 p.m. local time on Monday and anyone looking to travel during this time, particularly along Highway 97, should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.

“Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes,” one warning reads. “Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.”

A winter storm watch is also in place for Shasta and Colusa counties, where 15 inches of snow is possible at higher elevations until Wednesday.

Oregon

Warnings are in place currently for the Oregon Cascades and Northern Blue Mountains. At higher elevations, between 10 and 20 inches of snow could fall, particularly in Marion, Linn and Lane counties.

“Heavy snowfall and very low visibility will create extremely dangerous driving conditions,” one warning reads. “Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) says traveling in the conditions is discouraged “due to slick roadways and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.”

Washington

Similarly, in the Cascades of Washington and the state’s Northern Blue Mountains, heavy snow is forecast to fall throughout Monday. “Significant snowfall with periods of heavy snowfall rates will combine with low visibility to create very difficult driving conditions,” one warning for the Eastern Washington Cascades reads.

Motorists are urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary, with the NWS advising keeping a “storm kit” in the vehicle to “help you survive in case you become stranded.”

Idaho

In Idaho’s Centennial and Central Panhandle Mountains, up to 10 inches of snow are expected to fall according to winter storm warnings that are active until Monday evening.

Other winter weather advisories are in place across the Clearwater Mountains, where three to six inches of snowfall are expected until 11 a.m. on Monday.

Montana

While no storm warnings are in place for Montana, numerous winter weather advisories are currently active in the eastern and southeastern reaches of the state. Up to eight inches of snow are expected in some areas, with those wanting to travel urged to slow down and use caution.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, one winter storm warning is in place for the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, where 18 inches of snow is forecast for high elevations. Elsewhere, weather advisories are in place, including Yellowstone National Park, where two to six inches of powder are likely at lower levels until 10 p.m. on Monday.

Again, the NWS warns that travel in impacted areas could be difficult and motorists should exercise caution.