Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect as several regions brace for heavy snowfall beginning Thursday, January 29. Forecasts call for as much as 12 inches of snow in some areas, creating hazardous travel conditions that could disrupt both morning and evening commutes, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
States Under Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories
Michigan, South Dakota, Wyoming, and New York have been placed under winter storm warnings and advisories starting Thursday, with some alerts extending into the weekend.
Michigan
In Michigan, Alger County is expected to see another 3 inches of localized snowfall by Thursday morning, with up to 2 additional inches possible by evening. Blowing snow may reduce visibility at times, especially near the lakeshore, the NWS said.
Northern Schoolcraft County could pick up about 2 inches of lake-effect snow, which typically falls in relatively narrow bands. Kalamazoo County may see up to 1 inch, while Mason, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties could receive up to 2 inches by Thursday morning.
Keweenaw, northern Houghton, and Ontonagon Counties may get up to 4 inches, along with patchy blowing snow that could significantly reduce visibility at times through Thursday night.
Baraga and southern Houghton Counties are expected to see up to 1 inch of accumulation by Thursday morning. Allegan, Ottawa, and Van Buren Counties could receive up to 3 inches by mid-Thursday morning.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, the northern Black Hills could receive between 6 and 9 inches of snow from Thursday morning through Friday evening, with higher totals possible at higher elevations.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, the Black Hills could see 9 inches or more, particularly in elevated areas, with snowfall expected from Thursday through Friday evening.
New York
In New York, 6 to 12 inches of light, “fluffy” snow is expected to accumulate quickly over Orleans, Monroe, and Wayne Counties. Snow is forecast to begin Thursday morning and continue into Saturday morning, with the highest totals most likely in Monroe and Wayne Counties. The NWS warned that travelers should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibility.
Travel Safety Guidance During Winter Storms
The NWS also shared tips for anyone who must travel during severe winter weather.
Before traveling, drivers should ensure their vehicles:
- Are completely cleared of snow (snow blowing off vehicles can cause crashes)
- Have a full tank of fuel
- Include an emergency kit with extra clothes or blankets, water, nonperishable high-energy food, jump leads, torches, and shovels
While traveling, drivers should:
- Slow down—each year, over 5,000 fatalities occur due to poor weather conditions
- Stay calm if the vehicle begins to skid or slide; ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go
- Pull over if visibility becomes dangerously low; turn headlights off and use the parking brake so the vehicle remains visible to others
