Winter Weather Warnings in 5 States as a Foot of Snow To Fall

4 hours ago 2

What's New

As winter tightens its grip, residents across Washington, Montana, Alaska, Idaho, and Michigan are facing a barrage of winter weather warnings and advisories, with a foot of snow predicted in Montana.

Why It Matters

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for these states, cautioning residents to prepare for hazardous conditions in the days ahead.

What To Know

Washington

Warnings and advisories are in place across the state. Heavy mixed precipitation is predicted with up to an additional 3 inches of snow and ice accumulations between 0.10 and 0.30 inches, and winds gusting as high as 45 mph at Stevens Pass, Holden Village, and Stehekin.

The NWS has warned of treacherous travel conditions, due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions

Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause power outages, while strong winds could also cause tree damage. The warning is in place until 4 a.m. PST Wednesday and advisory until 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Montana

Heavy snow is expected with 5 to 10 inches of snow above 5,000 feet, including Marias Pass, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Polebridge, Bad Rock Canyon, and Essex. There is a 30 percent chance of up to 18 inches of snow, with total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches below 5,000 feet and winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

The NWS warns visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.

Periods of whiteout conditions are expected across Marias Pass and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

Plan on slippery road conditions on several roads including Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth. Also, Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass and Lolo Pass and I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan and Evaro Hill.

East Glacier Park Region Zone can expect up to a foot of snow and winds up to 85 mph, resulting in blowing and drifting snow. Travel could be very difficult and tire chains may be required for some vehicles. Those in the backcountry should ensure they are prepared for dangerous conditions.

The warning is in place until midnight MST Wednesday, and advisory until 5 a.m. MST Thursday.

Alaska

Low pressure will track east northeast through Dixon Entrance Tuesday night through Wednesday, bringing a period of snow and pockets of freezing rain to the far southern panhandle.

Freezing levels will rise through Wednesday, causing a change over to rain as the system moves out. Lower snowfall totals will occur as the system is now expected to move through faster. An advisory is in place until 6 p.m. AKST Wednesday.

Idaho

In Idaho, snow is expected above 4,000 feet. The likelihood of minor to moderate impacts from around 1 to 3 inches of snow is 90 percent, and 3 to 6 inches of snow is 40 percent. Winds are predicted to gust as high as 45 mph on US Highway 12 from Powell to Lolo Pass, Dixie, and Elk City, and also Northern Clearwater Mountains. An advisory is in place until 10 a.m. PST Wednesday.

Michigan

Lake effect snow is expected in Gogebic, Northern Houghton, Ontonagon, Alger, Luce, and Northern Schoolcraft Counties.

Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches are expected, except 2 inches or less along the Lake Superior shoreline and in far eastern Gogebic County/far southern Ontonagon County. Near the Porkies, isolated amounts of up to 7 inches of snow are possible.

An advisory is in place from 1 a.m. EST/ midnight CST to 7 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. CST Wednesday.

What People Are Saying

Authorities across these states are emphasizing the importance of preparedness. Residents are encouraged to stock up on essentials, including food, water, and heating supplies. Motorists should ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, with emergency kits on hand.