Winter storm warnings and weather advisories have been issued across seven states, with widespread blowing snow expected in the coming days.
The warnings and advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) across North Dakota, Alaska, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont and Minnesota.
According to the NWS, "blowing snow is wind-driven snow that reduces surface visibility. Blowing snow can be falling snow or snow that has already accumulated but is picked up and blown by strong winds. Blowing snow is usually accompanied by drifting snow."
In Michigan, winter storm warnings have been issued.
In Iron County, where winds gusting as high as 40 mph will create blowing snow, this alert is in place until 6 a.m. CST Thursday. Snow accumulations of up to 10 inches are also expected.
Across Michigan, the storm warnings are in place in a number of counties including Marquette, Western Chippewa, Baraga, Gogebic, Keweenaw and Schoolcraft, where drivers are advised to take caution when traveling due to reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.
Beaver Island and the surrounding islands are also affected.
In portions of Eastern Upper and Northern Lower Michigan until 7 p.m. CST Wednesday, blowing snow will result in visibilities below a quarter of a mile.
If you must travel in areas with winter storm warnings in place, the NWS advises carrying a flashlight, food and water in your car in case of an emergency.
In North Dakota, Alaska, New York, Wisconsin and Vermont, winter weather advisories are in place. Advisories are issued for snow of 3 to 5 inches in 12 hours, sleet accumulation up to 1/4 inch, freezing rain in combination with sleet and/or snow, or blowing snow.
From the Missouri River east through the James River Valley in North Dakota, winds of up to 45 mph from Tuesday night into Wednesday will produce significant areas of blowing snow, with the Wednesday morning commute likely to be impacted by a reduced visibility.
In areas of southeast North Dakota and portions of northwest and west central Minnesota, blowing snow winds are estimated to be as high as 50 mph.
Over in portions of east central and eastern New York state, gusting winds on Thursday are expected to create blowing and drifting snow.
From 9 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday CST, 35 mph winds in Vilas County, Wisconsin, will create "patchy blowing snow."
In Deadhorse east, Alaska, blowing snow will result in visibilities less than a half mile at times.
The NWS also warns that the dangerously cold wind chills here—at times as low as 45 below zero—can cause frostbite on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes.
In Northern Vermont and across into Northern New York, snow up to 8 inches and gusting winds of 40 mph are expected, resulting in blowing snow that will likely impact travel on Wednesday and Thursday.
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