Severe snow and ice are expected to disrupt conditions throughout the western United States this weekend, with the National Weather Service issuing winter weather advisories and warnings.
The West Coast has experienced a chilly week as two storm systems approach from the Pacific Ocean. Snow, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures have arrived in the region, with predictions indicating that these conditions will persist for the next two days.
Seven states are under different winter weather warnings and advisories this weekend: Alaska, California, Montana, Maine, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Certain areas are forecasted to receive 1 to 3 inches of snow, while others may experience heavier snowfall, accumulating between 8 and 13 inches.
This weekend’s warning locations are as follows.
Alaska
A winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service office in Juneau for the Skagway and White Pass regions. Expect significant snowfall on Friday, with totals reaching as much as 9 inches. Expect wind gusts reaching 35 miles per hour.
California
Winter weather advisories are in effect for northern California, anticipating snowfall of 4 to 10 inches. Quincy, Chester, and Blue Canyon in California are currently under warnings.
Slick travel conditions and snow-covered roads are anticipated in the region, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
On Friday, the Yosemite Valley region in central California is forecasted to receive thirteen inches of snow. The National Weather Service office in Hanford, California has issued a warning, indicating that travel in the area may be quite challenging.
Up to 3 inches of snow are anticipated in the Riverside County area from Friday evening through Saturday morning, according to the NWS office in San Diego.
Montana
Snow accumulation of several inches is expected in the southeastern regions of the state. Expect up to 8 inches of snow in the Highway 12 region from Garrison to Elliston. The advisory covers the areas of Georgetown Lake, MacDonald Pass, and Homestake Pass in the state.
The alert from the National Weather Service Office in Great Falls, Montana is in effect until Saturday morning.
Maine
As we head to the East Coast, some areas in the state are expecting freezing rain. The weather service in Gray, Maine, indicated that this kind of rain might occur near the U.S.-Canada border on Saturday morning.
Nevada
In the west, Reno is under a winter weather advisory set to continue until Friday afternoon. Rain and snow are anticipated in the area, according to forecasters. Up to 3 inches of snow is anticipated in the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, with even more in higher elevation spots.
Utah
Forecasters predict snowfall of six to twelve inches in the Wasatch Mountains from Friday to Saturday. Winter driving conditions are anticipated in Sardine Canyon, Parleys Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
The National Weather Service Office in Salt Lake City advises to proceed with care and reduce speed while on the road. Utah’s Uinta Mountains are set to receive 4 to 8 inches of snow from Friday to Saturday.
Wyoming
Wyoming anticipates 4 to 6 inches of snowfall in the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains from Friday to Saturday. The National Weather Service office in Riverton, Wyoming has issued a warning about potentially worsening driving conditions.
“Mountain passes will become slick with wintry driving conditions,” the service said. “Plan to allow extra time if traveling over mountain passes.”