The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple winter storm and winter weather warnings, forecasting that strong winds, freezing temperatures, and up to 12 inches of snow will hit five states starting Thursday. The agency warned the conditions could become “life-threatening” for anyone unprepared.
States affected by severe winter weather
Parts of Colorado, Alaska, Wyoming, New York, and Utah are expected to see severe winter weather through Thursday, which could significantly disrupt travel and daily life in affected areas.
Colorado
Snow is expected across several mountain regions. The mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, the Indian Peaks, and Rabbit Ears Pass could see an additional 3 to 8 inches by mid-Thursday morning. The Elkhead and Park mountains may receive 3 to 7 inches by noon Thursday, with higher totals possible along the top of the Park Range.
The Flat Tops, central Mountain Valleys, Grand and Battlement Mesas, and the Gore, Elk, Sawatch, and northern Front Range mountains—including Rocky Mountain National Park and the Medicine Bow Range—could receive up to 6 inches by noon Thursday. Winds around 35 mph may worsen conditions and affect Thursday morning commutes.
The NWS warned that travel will be difficult, especially over mountain passes, as blowing snow could “significantly reduce visibility.”
Alaska
Haines and the Haines Highway could see another 8 inches of snow. Along the Skagway and Klondike Highway, 4 to 6 inches are expected by Thursday afternoon, with the highest snowfall rates through early Thursday morning, making travel difficult.
On the Arctic Coast and Plains and through the Brooks Range Passes, wind chills could drive temperatures as low as minus 65 degrees Fahrenheit through Saturday morning. The NWS said these temperatures could cause “frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes.”
Wyoming
The Sierra Madre and Snowy Range could receive up to 10 additional inches of snow by Thursday morning. The NWS warned that conditions could be dangerous, particularly for hikers and snowmobilers, saying outdoor recreation could become “life-threatening” for anyone caught unprepared. The agency also noted that people can become easily disoriented in severe conditions and that “frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly.”
New York
Chenango, northern and southern Oneida, and Otsego counties could see up to 1 inch of snow by Thursday morning. Wayne, northern and southern Cayuga, Cortland, and Tompkins counties could receive up to 3 inches by Thursday afternoon, with higher totals possible in localized areas.
Up to 4 inches is forecast for the eastern Lake Ontario Region, where snow could lead to “snow-covered roads,” “limited visibilities,” and “hazardous conditions” until mid-Thursday morning.
Utah
Mountain areas in southern Utah above 7,000 feet could receive up to 6 inches of snow, while areas near Brian Head and the Tushar Range could see up to 12 inches by early Thursday morning.
The Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliffs could receive up to 10 inches. The Wasatch and western Uinta Mountains could see up to 12 inches, with as much as 15 inches possible in the upper Cottonwoods and high Uintas by mid-Thursday morning.
