Winter storm warnings are in effect across parts of four states as the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts significant snowfall—potentially up to 30 inches—along with wind gusts reaching 50 mph. The storm is expected to bring dangerous travel conditions from Thursday into Friday, and in some areas, impacts could continue into Saturday. Forecasters warn that blowing snow may create whiteout conditions and make roads hazardous.
People in the affected regions are urged to keep an eye on local forecasts and check road conditions before traveling. If you must drive, you can typically get the latest statewide updates by calling 511.
Where Winter Storm Warnings Are in Effect
The warnings include portions of Alaska, New York, Indiana, and Michigan, with varying timelines and expected totals by region.
Indiana
In Porter County, snowfall could reach about 8 inches, with wind gusts up to 45 mph—especially near Lake Michigan—through Thursday morning. Forecasters say falling and blowing snow may reduce visibility to below half a mile at times.
Farther north, some areas could see storm totals in the 12- to 18-inch range by around midday Thursday, with winds up to 40 mph. In those conditions, visibility may drop to less than a quarter-mile.
Starke County is expected to see up to 6 inches of snow and wind gusts around 35 mph through noon Thursday.
Alaska
A wide swath of Alaska is expected to see heavy snow, strong winds, and in some places, freezing rain.
Along the northern Bristol Bay Coast, inland Bristol Bay, and parts of the eastern Kuskokwim Valley, totals of 12 to 20 inches are possible with winds up to 50 mph through late Thursday night. Forecasters caution that blowing snow could significantly cut visibility, and ice buildup may lead to power outages.
Across the central, northern, and western Susitna Valley, snowfall totals are projected between 12 and 24 inches, with freezing rain also possible. Meanwhile, Ernestine and Thompson Pass could see up to 30 inches of snow and winds up to 50 mph through Friday evening.
In the lower Koyukuk Valley, the south slopes of the western Brooks Range, and the upper Kobuk Valley, snow totals of 5 to 10 inches are possible with winds reaching 40 mph through Saturday night.
Additional regions—including the lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys, the middle Yukon Valley, the north slopes of the western Alaska Range, and the upper Kuskokwim Valley—could see up to 10 inches of snow with winds up to 20 mph through Friday evening. Areas such as the eastern Alaska Range (south of Trims Camp) and the southern Denali Borough could see up to 18 inches, with wind gusts around 35 mph into early Saturday.
New York
Western and central New York could see several rounds of lake-effect snow, along with bitter cold.
Niagara, Orleans, northern Erie, and Genesee Counties may receive up to 9 inches through Thursday night, with the highest totals expected in northern Niagara and Orleans Counties. Temperatures around zero are forecast to persist into Friday morning.
Monroe, Wayne, and northern Cayuga Counties could see up to 12 inches by Friday afternoon. Jefferson and Lewis Counties may receive up to 10 inches by Friday morning, a combination expected to make travel difficult and disrupt commutes.
Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and southern Erie Counties could also see up to 12 inches, with wind chills falling below zero into early Friday. Oswego County may see similar totals by Friday afternoon.
Michigan
Parts of southwest Michigan are expected to get up to 18 inches of snow, with winds up to 40 mph through Thursday midday. Forecasters warn travel could become extremely dangerous, with conditions turning treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
