Winter Weather Warnings In 9 States As 7 Inches of Snow To Hit

What's New

Winter weather advisories were in place for nine states across the country from the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Friday, with up to five inches of snow forecast in some areas.

Winter storm warnings were also in place from the NWS in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin earlier on Friday morning, at the time this article was written.

Cars drive along a snowy interstate. The National Weather Service had winter weather advisories in place for multiple states early on Friday. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Why It Matters

The NWS says that a winter storm warning is issued "when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent."

Per the NWS, these include any combination of:

1. Five inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or seven inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period
2. Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or power lines.
3. A life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.

As for winter weather advisories, these will be issued "for any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience," according to the NWS.

What To Know

At the time of writing, the states under winter weather advisories were Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky, New Jersey and North Carolina.

The NWS said regions of Wisconsin could expect light to moderate snow, warning drivers to plan for hazardous road conditions.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the service advised drivers.

While anticipated snowfall varied from state to state, in some parts of New York and Ohio, the NWS forecast total snow accumulations of between four and seven inches.

The service said travel conditions could deteriorate enough to slow traffic, and evening commutes would be affected. It also warned of limited visibility.

What People Are Saying

Chris Reece, meteorologist at KSTP said on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday: "Our winter storm is right on time, and moving into Minnesota as we speak. Conditions go downhill overnight with widespread heavy snow during the morning commute."

"Let's have some fun, and be safe!" Reece added.

Broadcaster Cathy Wurzer wrote on X: "The snow is getting thick here in downtown St Paul. Highways are a mess.

"It's a slow go today as the first big winter storm moves across Minnesota/Wisconsin."

What Happens Next

At time of writing, the NWS said the winter storm warnings for some regions of Wisconsin were in place until 9 a.m. CST this morning.

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