Up to 2 feet of snow has been expected to hit certain parts of the U.S., overnight Monday through to Tuesday, and even into Wednesday and Thursday in some areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Why It Matters
Heavy snowfall and high winds are likely to impact travel, especially in the hardest-hit areas, during morning and evening commutes. Bridges and overpasses, in particular, could be slippery and hazardous. The NWS has also warned of potential power outages due to heavy snow and wind damaging power lines.
What To Know
In Alaska, up to 12 inches of snow and 40 mph winds are expected to impact the Interior Seward Peninsula and the southern Seward Peninsula Coast. Up to 10 inches and winds as high as 60 mph could also hit St Lawrence Island, the Bering Strait Coast, and Diomede from Monday evening through to Thursday morning.
In California, the Inyo Mountains and the eastern Sierra Slopes could see up to 2 feet of snow in areas above 9,500 feet by Tuesday evening, and the NWS has warned there may be road closures along Route 168 to Aspendell and through Westgard Pass.
Residents in the San Bernardino County Mountains should prepare for up to 5 inches in areas near or above 5,500 feet, and those in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains and northern Ventura County Mountains should expect up to 10 inches above 7,000 feet, with 40 mph wind gusts. Mono County could also see between 7 to 15 inches in areas above 8,500 feet, with 45 mph wind gusts until Tuesday morning.
The Sheep Range and Spring Mountains in Nevada could get between 16 and 24 inches of snow in places above 9,000 feet by Wednesday morning, and the Southern Mountains in Utah—primarily across the Pine Valley Mountains, Brian Head, and Boulder Mountain—could get up to 15 inches at the highest elevations.
What People Are Saying
The NWS has issued the following precautionary advice for affected areas: “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.”
What Happens Next
The NWS has warned that travel could be “very difficult,” as high, gusty winds combined with heavy snowfall could lead to reduced visibility and blizzard conditions in some places. Those in affected areas should monitor their local forecasts for updates and delay all travel, where possible.
