Winter storm warnings or winter weather advisories were in place from the National Weather Service (NWS) for six states early Friday morning, with up to 14 inches of snow possible for some parts of the country.
Why It Matters
Winter storms can cause power outages, while snow can interfere with travel and create dangerous driving conditions. Freezing temperatures can also pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children and older adults.
What To Know
The NWS had winter storm warnings in place for parts of Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana, while winter weather advisories were issued for Michigan, New York, and North Carolina.
Areas affected included southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming, western Michigan, northwestern New York, and eastern North Carolina.
While the exact level of snowfall expected varied from state to state, the NWS said that in the south slopes of the central Brooks Range, Alaska, "heavy" snow was anticipated with up to 14 inches of accumulation possible.
Travel in the area would be "very difficult to impossible," an advisory read.
"A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring," the NWS says.
It also says a winter weather advisory is issued for 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."
The service also said that in New York's Oswego County, total snow accumulations between six and 12 inches would be possible through three periods between Thursday and Saturday.
What People Are Saying
NWS Fairbanks said on X: "An atmospheric river will impact Northern Alaska between Thurs — Sun, and will bring heavy snow, rain, and above freezing temperatures."
Meteorologist Jeff Tanchak said on X: "EARLY MORNING ANALYSIS: Cold front tracking through Michigan. It crosses northeast Ohio later today. Snow showers develop this afternoon with minor snow accumulation."
NWS Raleigh said on X yesterday: "A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued valid from midnight through 9 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures may drop as low as 5 degrees in some locations. The wind will be light tonight, so the wind chill will not be much different from the ambient air temperature."
What Happens Next
At the time of publication, the winter storm warnings for Alaska were in effect until 6 a.m. Friday. The NWS' latest winter weather advisories were in effect until 3 a.m. Sunday.
Forecasts are subject to change, and the NWS issues regular updates on its website and on social media.
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