Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect across seven states because of heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions expected over Christmas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings in Washington and Alaska, while winter weather advisories are active in those states as well as in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California and Nevada.
A winter storm warning signifies severe weather with heavy snowfall of at least six inches in 12 hours, or eight inches in 24 hours, or significant sleet accumulations. A winter weather advisory indicates less severe conditions, but still warns of snow, sleet or freezing rain capable of causing travel hazards.
Here is the latest breakdown by state:
Washington
Washington faces widespread winter storm warnings and advisories, with up to three feet of snow forecast.
Warning Areas:
- Olympics: Between 7 a.m. PST Wednesday and 4 p.m. PST Thursday, areas above 4,000 feet, including Quinault, Hurricane Ridge and Amanda Park, could see one to three feet of snow and wind gusts up to 40 mph, creating slick roads and reduced visibility.
- Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest: Heavy snow is expected from 1 p.m. PST Wednesday to 10 p.m. PST Thursday, with accumulations of six to 18 inches above 3,000 feet. Areas including Roslyn and Easton are advised to prepare for dangerous driving conditions and carry emergency supplies.
- Lower Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest: Snowfall of six to 12 inches above 3,000 feet is forecast from 4 p.m. PST Wednesday to 10 a.m. PST Thursday. Locations including Cliffdell, Cle Elum and Appleton will experience low visibility and challenging travel conditions.
- West Slopes of the Cascades: Heavy snowfall of one to three feet is expected above 3,500 feet from 10 a.m. PST Wednesday to 10 p.m. PST Thursday. Lower elevations may see six to 12 inches of snow, affecting Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and the Crystal Mountain Ski Area.
- Western Chelan County: Between 1 p.m. PST Wednesday and 10 p.m. PST Thursday, up to 22 inches of wet, heavy snow will make travel difficult and could cause power outages. Holden Village and Stevens Pass are included in this warning.
- Central Chelan County: Snow accumulations of nine to 16 inches are forecast between 1 p.m. PST Wednesday and 1 p.m. PST Thursday, with peak snowfall expected overnight. Leavenworth and Plain should prepare for hazardous travel and potential tree damage.
Advisory Areas:
- South Washington Cascades: Snowfall of three to eight inches is expected at lower elevations, increasing to 10-18 inches above 5,000 feet, from Wednesday evening through Thursday. Areas like Larch Mountain will experience gusty winds and difficult travel conditions.
- Northwest Blue Mountains: From 10 p.m. PST Wednesday to 4 p.m. PST Thursday, snow accumulations of up to 10 inches are expected above 4,000 feet. Meacham and the Ski Bluewood Resort will face reduced visibility and possible tree damage.
- Wenatchee Area, Okanogan Valley and Waterville Plateau: Snowfall of one to five inches, with up to nine inches in higher elevations, is forecast from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. Travelers should be cautious, especially on Christmas night.
- Northeast Mountains and Okanogan Highlands: Snow accumulations of two to eight inches are expected from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, affecting cities like Kettle Falls, Newport and Colville.
Alaska
Alaska is under winter weather warnings with heavy snow, blowing snow, and wind gusts up to 40 mph creating dangerous travel and frostbite risks.
Warning Areas:
- South Slopes of the Western Brooks Range, Upper Kobuk Valleys, and Lower Koyukuk Valley: Until 3 p.m. AKST Wednesday, heavy snow and blowing snow will create whiteout conditions, with gusts up to 35 mph and wind chills reaching -35°F. Impacted areas include Walker Lake, Ambler and Shungnak.
- Upper Koyukuk Valley: Heavy snow with additional accumulations of one to three inches is expected until 3 p.m. AKST Wednesday, along with wind gusts up to 40 mph and wind chills as low as -20°F. Communities like Allakaket and Bettles should expect challenging travel conditions.
Advisory Areas:
- Central Brooks Range: Snow and blowing snow, with accumulations up to two inches and wind chills as low as -40°F, will persist through Wednesday morning in the Anaktuvuk Pass.
- Eastern Norton Sound and Yukon Delta Coast: Snowfall of three to five inches, combined with wind gusts up to 40 mph, will reduce visibility and pose frostbite risks until Wednesday afternoon in Unalakleet and Stebbins.
Idaho
Significant snow accumulations are forecast for parts of Idaho on Thursday.
Advisory Areas:
- Northern and Central Panhandle Mountains: Snow accumulations of five to eight inches are expected Thursday from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST, with valley accumulations ranging from less than an inch to four inches. Hazardous travel conditions are anticipated in Sandpoint, Kellogg, Bonners Ferry and Lookout Pass.
- Northern and Southern Clearwater Mountains: From 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST on Thursday, snow accumulations of three to 10 inches are forecast, with the heaviest snow above 4,000 feet. Major disruptions to travel and activities are expected, particularly on Highway 12, impacting Dixie, Elk River, Pierce and Elk City.
Montana
Advisory Areas:
- Kootenai/Cabinet Region: Snowfall of one to six inches is expected between Thursday morning and afternoon, with impacts on mountain passes as well as Highway 2 and Highway 56.
- Lower Clark Fork Region: Up to six inches of snow is forecast on Thursday, particularly affecting Lookout Pass and Highway 200.
- Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains: From Thursday morning through the afternoon, snow accumulations of one to six inches are expected, creating travel challenges on Lolo Pass.
Oregon
Snow and gusty winds are forecast for various mountain regions in Oregon, creating hazardous travel conditions through Thursday.
Advisory Areas:
- Southern Oregon Cascades: Snow accumulations of two to 26 inches are expected between Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning, with wind gusts as high as 70 mph. Hazardous travel conditions, especially for Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Affected areas include Crater Lake National Park, highways 51, 62, 138 and Snowmans Hill Summit.
- North Oregon Cascades: Snow accumulations of three to 18 inches above 4,500 feet, with gusty winds up to 45 mph, from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday evening. Travel could be very difficult, particularly on passes like Santiam Pass and Larch Mountain.
- Northern Blue Mountains: Wet snow expected above 4,000 feet, with total accumulations of eight to 10 inches and gusty winds up to 45 mph. Impacts include difficult driving conditions, especially from Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon. Affected areas include Tollgate and Meacham.
- East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades: Snow accumulations of four to eight inches above 4,000 feet, with gusty winds up to 50 mph, from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday evening. Difficult driving conditions expected, particularly around Sunriver and Sisters.
California and Nevada
Winter Weather Advisories are active across the Sierra Nevada, affecting both eastern California and western Nevada. Snowfall and strong winds are expected to create hazardous travel conditions.
Advisory Areas:
- Lassen-Eastern Plumas Counties: Snow accumulations of one to 10 inches are forecast from Wednesday night through Friday morning. Hazardous travel conditions are expected in Susanville and Portola.
- Greater Lake Tahoe Area: Between Wednesday night and Friday morning, snowfall of two to 15 inches is expected above 6,000 feet, along with ridge winds up to 90 mph. Areas like Truckee and South Lake Tahoe will face travel challenges and large lake waves.
- Mono County: Snow accumulations of three to 12 inches are forecast, with gusty winds through Friday. Locations like Mammoth Lakes are expected to have hazardous conditions.
- Western Plumas County and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada: From Wednesday night through Friday morning, snowfall of five to 10 inches above 6,000 feet is expected, with higher amounts at peaks. Slippery roads and chain requirements are likely.
Travel and Safety
The NWS urges residents in affected areas to limit travel during severe weather and to carry emergency supplies such as flashlights, food and water. Motorists should prepare for sudden visibility changes and icy roads.
As the winter storm progresses, more updates are expected from local authorities to guide residents and travelers through potentially dangerous conditions.
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