Parts of Utah, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and Idaho are under winter storm warnings, with travel expected to be "very difficult" in several places.
Several areas across the U.S. saw a white Christmas and an atmospheric river hit the Pacific Northwest.
Winter Storm Warning in Utah
A warning covers the Wasatch Mountains, the Western Uinta Mountains and the Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs from 5 a.m. MST on Thursday morning to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Areas "favored by moist northwest flow," such as the Upper Cottonwoods, Ben Lomond Peak vicinity and the Bear River Mountains, have a 70 to 90 percent chance of more than 18 inches of snow, said the National Weather Service (NWS) in Salt Lake City.
The snow, which will be "denser than normal," will rise throughout the weekend, forecasters said. An additional storm may hit through Sunday and Monday.
Travel is expected to be "very difficult" at times, meaning traction law restrictions may be enacted at times.
"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the NWS warned.
Winter Storm Warnings in Oregon
There are three winter storm warnings covering different parts of Oregon, including the following places—the upper and lower slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest and the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades—all until different times on Thursday.
Up to 12 inches of snow is expected in some areas, while wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour are forecast.
The NWS in Pendleton has also warned about traveling in the weather.
"Be prepared for slippery roads," it 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."
A fourth storm warning covers the Upper Hood River Valley, where folks have been told to "consider postponing travel until weather conditions improve."
Winter Storm Warnings in Washington
Eight winter storm warnings are in place for the following parts of Washington:
- Stehekin, Stevens Pass and Holden Village
- Mazama, Loup Loup Pass, Twisp, Winthrop, Methow and Conconully
- Boulder Creek Road, Sherman Pass, Republic, Wauconda, Chesaw Road, Inchelium, and Highway 20 Wauconda Summit
- Number 2 Canyon, Entiat, Cashmere, Number 1 Canyon, Wenatchee, Chelan and Pangborn Airport
- Omak, Tonasket, Oroville, Okanogan, Bridgeport, Brewster, Waterville, Badger Mountain Road, Nespelem, Disautel Pass and Mansfield
- Leavenworth and Plain
- West Slopes North Central Cascades and Passes, and West Slopes South Central Cascades and Passes and West Slopes South Central cascades and passes
- Olympics.
All of the warnings are in place until different times on Thursday, with snow forecast to reach 24 inches in some areas and advisories about travel in place in all of them.
"Travel could be very difficult to impossible," the NWS in Seattle said. "Very strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines."
Winter Storm Warnings in Wyoming
There are two winter storm warnings in place for Wyoming—covering the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains and Salt River and Wyoming Ranges and Star Valley, where the highest snowfall amounts will be in the foothills.
These warnings are in place until Friday with travel labeled "very difficult" and "hazardous conditions" expected on the Teton Pass.
Idaho Winter Storm Warning
One winter storm warning covers multiple basins, foothills, mountains and ranges in Idaho, where heavy snow is expected to accumulate to 19 inches.
The NWS in Pocatello said: "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult to impossible."
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