The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter weather warnings in five states on Tuesday, with meteorologists expecting up to four feet of snowfall in some areas of the country.
Why It Matters
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Heavy snow, powerful winds, and cold temperatures could make travel dangerous and interrupt daily life.
The NWS has encouraged residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions, avoid needless travel, and remain up to date on developments.
What To Know
The NWS issued a winter storm warning for parts of Northern and East Central California on Tuesday morning, indicating that “a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent.”
The weather service predicted up to 4 feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains’ highest elevations.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” it stated, adding that Wednesday commutes might be affected.
Winter weather advisories were issued in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona.
These advisories suggest that snow, ice, sleet, or a mix of these winter components are forecast, but the circumstances may not be severe enough to trigger a warning.
Winter storm watches, issued “when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours,” were also in effect for isolated portions of northern Arizona, southern Nevada, and northeast Washington.
What People Are Saying
NWS Sacramento said on X, Monday: “A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Tuesday evening through Thursday evening for heavy mountain snow and gusty south to southwest winds. Mountain travel is highly discouraged while the warning is in effect!”
NWS Las Vegas said on X, Monday: “After a weak system on Tues, a more potent system will bring widespread wind, rain, & snow impacts to the area Wednes-Thurs. A Winter Storm Watch has already been issued in the mountains as moderate snow impacts are likely. Plan ahead for the weather this week!”
NWS Portland, Oregon, said on X, Monday: “There are 50-80% probabilities of 6+ inches of snow within 24 hours over the Cascade Mountains. Within these mountains are key mountain passes, so if you’re planning on traveling through these passes, please pay close attention to the weather and road conditions before travel.”
What Happens Next
According to the NWS, the storm system will pass through much of the Intermountain West on Thursday and Friday before bringing “substantial wind and snow impacts” to the Great Plains during the weekend.
