Highlights
- Winter storm warnings issued in Washington, California, Oregon, and Alaska.
- Snowfall of up to 18 inches expected in Washington, affecting travel.
- Freezing rain warnings in California and Maine, causing slippery roads.
- Up to 11 inches of snow expected in central California by Friday.
- Strong wind gusts of up to 40 mph in Oregon and Alaska, making travel difficult.
Winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued across several U.S. states as a strong winter system continues to impact areas along the West Coast and Northeast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted severe weather conditions including heavy snow, freezing rain, and icy temperatures for the coming days.
The NWS has issued two winter storm warnings in Washington. By Thursday afternoon, Okanogan County could receive an additional 8 inches of snow, making travel along State Route 20 hazardous.
Up to 18 inches of snow may accumulate in the North Cascades, where travel could be “very difficult to impossible” as the snow continues to fall throughout the day.
California is also facing winter weather challenges, with several counties under freezing rain warnings. The NWS warns that icy conditions may make roads and bridges slippery, especially from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. PST on Friday.
Motorists are urged to take extra caution, as the freezing rain could create dangerous driving conditions during the morning commute.
Additionally, up to 11 inches of snow are expected to fall in central California between Thursday afternoon and Friday night, further complicating travel.
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Oregon is not immune to these winter conditions either. Snow is expected in the South Central Oregon Cascades, with anywhere from 4 to 10 inches of snow possible. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are also expected, which will make driving conditions even more hazardous.
In Alaska, several areas are under snow advisories. The Lower Kuskokwim Valley is expected to receive up to 10 inches of snow, while areas like Russian Mission and St. Mary’s may experience heavy snow and blowing winds, reducing visibility and making travel difficult.
Meanwhile, parts of Maine are also under winter advisories as freezing rain is expected to cause slippery roads, sidewalks, and bridges, particularly in the Central Highlands, Coastal DownEast, and other areas. The NWS has warned that these conditions could create significant travel difficulties from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET on Friday.
Travelers across these affected regions should prepare for dangerous winter conditions, with snow and ice likely to impact roadways and make travel challenging throughout the day.
