A powerful winter storm system is expected to impact seven states across the West and Northeast, bringing intense snowfall, powerful winds, and hazardous travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Some mountainous areas could receive as much as five feet of snow, while other regions may experience blizzard-like conditions with wind gusts topping 100 mph. A mix of winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories will remain in effect through Monday, and officials are strongly urging people to postpone travel.
For those who must be on the roads, authorities recommend carrying emergency supplies and staying alert for rapidly changing visibility and road conditions.
A winter storm watch signals that severe winter weather—such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice—could develop within the next 12 to 48 hours and serves as an early warning to prepare. A winter storm warning indicates dangerous conditions are expected or already underway and requires immediate caution. A winter weather advisory covers less extreme conditions that can still create travel and safety hazards, including light snow or freezing rain.
California
California is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with multiple warnings in effect through Monday morning.
The Sierra Nevada could see snowfall totals of up to five feet above 6,000 feet. The Eastern Sierra Slopes may receive between 4 and 24 inches, depending on elevation. Siskiyou County could get 6 to 18 inches, with as much as 36 inches on the highest peaks, while Northern Trinity may see 10 to 16 inches. Parts of the West Slope Northern Sierra and Western Plumas regions are forecast to receive 1 to 2 feet above 5,000 feet and up to 5 feet above 6,000 feet.
Winds are expected to gust between 45 and 60 mph, with ridgetop gusts exceeding 100 mph. Snow levels are forecast to drop from about 7,500 feet on Saturday to near 4,500 feet by Monday.
Travel may become extremely difficult or impossible on mountain routes, including Etna Summit, the Mt. Shasta ski park highway, and Scott Mountain. Strong winds could also cause falling tree branches and additional hazards. Officials advise delaying travel whenever possible and exercising extreme caution if travel cannot be avoided.
Nevada
Mono County and the Greater Lake Tahoe Area remain under winter storm warnings through 10 a.m. PST Monday. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet are expected above 7,000 feet, with up to 4 feet on the highest peaks.
Lake-level communities around Tahoe may see 4 to 12 inches of snow, while Highway 395 areas could receive 2 to 6 inches. Winds may gust up to 45 mph, with ridgetop gusts surpassing 100 mph. On Lake Tahoe, waves could reach 1 to 3 feet, increasing the risk of tree damage and power outages.
Lassen and Eastern Plumas counties are under a winter weather advisory through Monday morning, with snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches and locally up to 12 inches west of Highway 395.
New York
Oswego County remains under a winter storm warning until 7 p.m. ET Saturday. Heavy lake-effect snow could add 8 to 12 inches in persistent snow bands, creating deep accumulations and sharply reduced visibility.
Conditions may change rapidly over short distances, making travel especially dangerous. Officials strongly advise delaying travel and remaining prepared for sudden shifts in weather and road conditions.
Oregon
The South Central Oregon Cascades, including areas around Crater Lake and Diamond Lake, are under a winter weather advisory from Saturday afternoon through Sunday. Snowfall of 5 to 10 inches is expected above 5,000 feet, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Travel may be challenging along highways 62, 138, and 230.
Utah
The Wasatch Mountains and Western Uinta Mountains are under an advisory from Saturday night through Monday night MST. Snow totals are forecast to range from 8 to 18 inches, with locally higher amounts up to 2 feet above 8,500 feet.
Conditions are expected to worsen late Sunday and persist into Monday, making travel through mountain passes such as Provo Canyon and Snowbasin particularly difficult.
Wyoming
Several Wyoming mountain ranges are forecast to receive heavy snowfall from late Saturday through Monday morning. The Tetons and Gros Ventre Mountains may see 8 to 16 inches, with isolated totals up to 2 feet.
The Salt River and Wyoming Ranges could receive 12 to 18 inches, while Yellowstone National Park may see up to 16 inches near the South Entrance and as much as two feet in southwestern areas. Wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph could create dangerous conditions on mountain passes, including Teton and Togwotee.
Alaska
A winter storm watch is in effect for the Kuskokwim Delta, Western Capes, Northern Bristol Bay Coast, and Inland Bristol Bay from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
Snowfall totals of 6 to 12 inches are possible, along with wind gusts up to 50 mph. These conditions could reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less, producing whiteout conditions and making travel extremely difficult. Blowing snow and strong winds may also lead to drifting and hazardous road conditions across the region.
