Winter storm warnings and weather advisories are in place across 15 states, with heavy snowfall and winds expected.
The warnings and advisories are in place across California, Maryland, Washington, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Virginia, Alaska, Oregon, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Tennessee, Montana, Kentucky and New York.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that travel in these areas may be extremely hazardous, or impossible in parts.
In a social media post, the NWS said that a storm system would bring snow and wind to parts of the U.S. from November 21 through 23.
"A powerful storm system is forecast to develop east of the Rockies early next week, moving from the Central Plains northeastward to the Great Lakes. In its wake, it is likely to expand cold temperatures into south-Central U.S., bring high winds to much of the eastern U.S., and increase the potential for lake effect snowfall in the Great Lakes, November 21-23," the NWS wrote.
The heaviest snow accumulations are expected in West Virginia, where a winter storm warning is in place from 7 a.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Saturday ET. Up to 20 inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 45mph are expected across Northwest Pocahontas, Southeast Randolph, and Southeast Webster counties.
The NWS warns that heavy snow and winds in these West Virginia counties might down power lines and that visibility is expected to be less than a quarter of a mile due to blowing snow. Travel will be "very difficult to impossible," with today's morning and evening commutes likely most affected.
Strong winds are also expected across other states in the coming days.
In Greenbrier county, Virginia; Eastern Tucker, Pennsylvania; and the Western Highland-Western and Grant-Western Pendleton counties of Maryland, winter storm warnings predict winds of up to 50mph.
The NWS warning for Pennsylvania specifies that a "potent winter system" will advance across the area from this afternoon through Saturday, with the cities of Thomas, Canaan Valley, and Davis specifically affected. In these areas, the NWS advises that persons should consider delaying all travel due to slick roads and reduced visibility.
Weather advisories in place across South Carolina and Alaska also warn that winds up to 50mph could impact travel.
In all 15 affected states, travelers are advised to exercise caution before traveling and drive with caution if necessary.
"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the NWS says.
NWS Weather Warnings Explained
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. The NWS defines hazardous weather as "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" as well as ice accumulation that can damage powerlines and a "life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.."
Winter Weather Advisories are less serious and issued when "any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning."
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