Winter storm warnings and weather advisories have been issued for 15 states as heavy snowfall and strong winds are anticipated.
Several states in the United States, including California, Maryland, Washington, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Virginia, Alaska, Oregon, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Tennessee, Montana, Kentucky, and New York, have issued warnings and advisories.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning stating that traveling in these areas could be extremely dangerous or even impossible in certain areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) recently shared on social media that a storm system is expected to bring snow and wind to various parts of the United States from November 21 to 23.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a strong storm system is expected to form east of the Rockies in the coming week. This system will move from the Central Plains towards the Great Lakes, causing a drop in temperatures across the south-Central U.S. Additionally, it will bring strong winds to the eastern part of the country and potentially lead to lake effect snowfall in the Great Lakes region from November 21-23.
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West Virginia is expected to experience the most significant snowfall, with a winter storm warning in effect from 7 a.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Saturday ET. In Northwest Pocahontas, Southeast Randolph, and Southeast Webster counties, snow accumulations of up to 20 inches and wind gusts reaching 45mph are anticipated.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning for several counties in West Virginia, stating that the combination of heavy snow and strong winds could potentially bring down power lines. Additionally, the NWS anticipates that visibility will be severely impacted, with less than a quarter of a mile expected due to blowing snow. As a result, travel conditions are expected to be extremely challenging, if not impossible. The morning and evening commutes today are likely to be the most heavily affected.
In the upcoming days, various states can anticipate experiencing strong winds as well.
Winter storm warnings in Greenbrier County, Virginia; Eastern Tucker, Pennsylvania; and the Western Highland-Western and Grant-Western Pendleton counties of Maryland are predicting winds of up to 50mph.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) warning for Pennsylvania, a powerful winter system is expected to move across the region from this afternoon until Saturday. This system will specifically impact the cities of Thomas, Canaan Valley, and Davis. The NWS advises individuals in these areas to consider postponing any travel plans due to the hazardous road conditions and limited visibility caused by the slick roads.
Travelers in South Carolina and Alaska should be aware of weather advisories currently in effect. These advisories caution that strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 50mph, could potentially disrupt travel plans.
Travelers in all 15 affected states should exercise caution and drive carefully if necessary before embarking on their journeys.
The National Weather Service advises travelers to carry essential emergency supplies in their vehicles, including an additional flashlight, food, and water.
NWS Weather Warnings Explained
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when there is a significant and dangerous combination of winter weather conditions either happening at the moment or expected to occur soon. According to the NWS, hazardous weather is defined as either 5 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the warning is also issued for ice accumulation that has the potential to cause damage to powerlines. In extreme cases, the warning may be issued for a life-threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation combined with strong winds.
Winter Weather Advisories are issued for conditions that may cause a significant inconvenience, but are not severe enough to warrant a warning. These advisories are typically issued when there is any amount of freezing rain or when 2 to 4 inches of snow, along with sleet and freezing rain, are expected. The purpose of these advisories is to alert the public about potential weather-related disruptions that may occur, allowing them to take necessary precautions.
