Winter storm warnings have been issued for five states, with treacherous conditions likely to hit some areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Intense winter storm systems are forecast to deliver up to three feet of snow, whiteout conditions and dangerous winds through Saturday.
Hazardous travel conditions and potential infrastructure impacts are expected, according to official NWS bulletins.
These warnings signal the potential for life-threatening weather, especially in higher elevations and along major mountain passes.
The NWS cautions that the expected combination of very heavy snow, high winds and blowing snow could lead to impassable roads, widespread transportation disruption, power outages and an increased risk of avalanches.
Impacted zones include critical interstate corridors and popular recreational areas just ahead of holiday travel periods, raising concerns about preparedness and emergency response.
Winter Storm Warnings
The NWS has issued winter storm warnings for five states and numerous winter weather advisories for regions from the Rockies to the Great Lakes.
Washington
The NWS has issued multiple warnings for the Cascades, including Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and Mount Rainier.
Heavy snow is expected with totals ranging from one to three feet, particularly at higher elevations like Paradise and Mount Baker.
Warnings remain in effect from 4 a.m. Friday until 4 p.m. PST Saturday, with hazardous travel conditions likely.
Oregon
The east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, including Sisters and Sunriver, are under a winter storm warning.
Snowfall of six to 10 inches is forecast, starting at 4 a.m. PST Friday and ending by 10 a.m. PST Saturday. Drivers are urged to avoid travel because of slick roads and possible downed trees.
Idaho
Mountain regions such as the Sawtooth/Stanley Basin and Sun Valley are bracing for one to two feet of snow above 7,000 feet, with wind gusts up to 45 mph and several inches of accumulation below 7,000 feet, including five to eight inches in Stanley and Ketchum.
The warning remains in effect until 5 a.m. MST Saturday, making backcountry travel “very difficult to impossible.”
Montana
Warnings cover the Absaroka/Beartooth and Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains. Snowfall will range from eight to 14 inches at Lolo Pass to 16–24 inches at Lost Trail Pass, with strong winds up to 45 mph, and “avalanche danger will increase.”
Alerts run through 5 p.m. MST Friday, with major disruptions expected on mountain passes. The NWS says: “Gusty winds could bring down tree branches, leading to power outages.”
Wyoming
The most severe conditions are forecast for Wyoming’s mountain ranges, including Yellowstone, Teton and Wind River.
Accumulations of two to three feet, with localized areas exceeding three feet, are possible, accompanied by wind gusts up to 55 mph. Warnings remain in effect until 5 a.m. MST Saturday. Blowing and drifting of snow is expected, and backcountry travel is not advised.
Additional Winter Weather Advisories
Mid-Atlantic
Garrett County in Maryland and parts of West Virginia face two to four inches of snow and gusts up to 60 mph from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST Friday, impacting evening travel.
Great Lakes Region
Advisories across Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota warn of slick roads, blowing snow, and flash freeze conditions. Parts of Northern Lower Michigan could see up to four inches of snow and 45 mph gusts through Friday afternoon, while northern Wisconsin and Minnesota advisories expire early Friday.
New York & Pennsylvania
Lake-effect snow will bring three to six inches in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania, with gusts up to 45 mph. Treacherous conditions are forecast for the evening commute. Advisories run from late Friday morning through early Saturday.
Pacific Northwest
Complementing storm warnings, advisories in Oregon and Washington predict six to 16 inches of snow above 2,500–3,000 feet and gusts of up to 40 mph, lasting from early Friday through Saturday morning.
Northern Rockies
Idaho’s Lemhi County and Montana’s Continental Divide will see six to 12 inches of snow at passes and up to 20 inches in higher terrain, with winds as high as 55 mph. Advisories remain active through Friday evening.
Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Star Valley and Upper Green River Basin Foothills can expect four to 14 inches of snow and gusts up to 45 mph until Saturday morning, adding to already dangerous conditions.
What Happens Next
The storms are expected to persist through Saturday morning in most affected regions. Authorities in all impacted states recommend emergency preparedness for residents and caution that conditions can change rapidly.
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