Winter storm alerts remain in force across several parts of the United States, with forecasters warning that some regions could see up to 15 inches of snow and powerful winds from Thursday onward. The National Weather Service (NWS) is urging anyone who must drive to do so with “extreme caution.”
What To Know
The most impacted states are expected to include New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Montana, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Alaska.
New York / Ohio
Northern Oneida County in New York may receive as much as 14 inches of snow, accompanied by winds up to 35 mph from Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous travel, especially during commute times.
Southern Erie County is forecast to get between 3 and 8 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 30 mph from Thursday through Friday morning. The heaviest snow is anticipated Thursday night.
Wyoming and Allegany counties could see up to 7 inches of snow with wind gusts near 35 mph, while southern Herkimer County may receive up to 6 inches and winds around 40 mph through Friday morning.
In Ohio, Crawford County may get up to 5 inches of snow, paired with 30 mph winds, continuing until Friday morning.
Kentucky
Parts of east central, northeast, north central, and southeast Kentucky—including Knott and Perry counties—are expected to receive between 2 and 5 inches of snow from Thursday through Friday morning.
Harlan County could see up to 4 inches of accumulation in higher elevations above 2,000 feet, particularly in the Big Black Mountain area, during the same period.
Montana
In Montana, central and southeast Phillips, central and southern Valley, McCone, and northern Phillips counties—especially near and along U.S. Highway 2—are forecast to receive up to 8 inches of snow from Wednesday night through Thursday, Friday, and into Saturday.
Dawson, Garfield, Petroleum, Prairie, and southwest Phillips counties could see between 4 and 11 inches of snow from Thursday night through Saturday morning. Parts of Cascade County may receive up to 12 inches, with winds near 35 mph until Friday night.
The southern Rocky Mountain Front and the east Glacier Park Region may get up to 15 inches of snow, with winds between 40 and 50 mph through Friday night. The Snowy and Judith Mountains, along with areas of Fergus County below 4,500 feet, are expected to receive between 5 and 12 inches of snow through Friday night.
Indiana
Across portions of central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Indiana, between 2 and 4 inches of snow is expected from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning.
Illinois
Sections of central, east central, southeast, and west central Illinois could see up to 5 inches of snow from Thursday afternoon into early Friday morning.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, Cameron, Elk, and Potter counties may receive between 1 and 5 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 45 mph from Thursday through Friday morning.
Alaska
In Alaska, several areas—including the eastern Alaska Range (north and south of Trims Camp) and the northern and southern Denali Boroughs—may see up to 6 inches of snow and winds as strong as 50 mph through Saturday. These conditions could reduce visibility to half a mile or less.
Similar hazardous weather is expected across the south slopes of the western Brooks Range, Noatak Valley, Kivalina and Red Dog Dock, Lower Kobuk Valley, the Baldwin Peninsula, the northern and southern Seward Peninsula regions, Interior Seward Peninsula, eastern Norton Sound, and the Nulato Hills through Friday evening.
The central Arctic Plains, central Brooks Range, and the Romanzof Mountains could experience up to 8 inches of snow and winds up to 50 mph until early Saturday morning.
What People Are Saying
The NWS office in Cleveland advised:
“If you must travel in the warned area, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
Forecasters in Kentucky cautioned:
“If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”
The NWS in Montana added:
“Those in the backcountry should ensure they are prepared for dangerous conditions.”
What Happens Next
Residents in affected regions are urged to keep a close eye on local forecasts and weather updates. Those who must travel should call 5 1 1 for the latest road condition reports and be prepared for rapidly changing and potentially life-threatening winter weather.
