Winter Storm Triggers Multiple Alerts in the U.S. Due to Heavy Snow and Dangerous Winds

US Winter storm triggers alerts

High flood risk

Historic mountain snowfall

Meteorological authorities issued new alerts this Sunday as a winter system moves in, threatening to blanket several regions of the western and northwestern United States with significant snow accumulation.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has active advisories in place for Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, anticipating totals that could exceed 25 centimeters in critical zones.

In addition to snow, wind gusts of up to 105 kilometers per hour are expected, increasing the risk of blizzards, dangerous roads, and potentially life-threatening conditions for those unprepared.

Regional NWS offices emphasized that nighttime travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Dangerous winter conditions in Midwest US

Winter Storm Triggers Multiple Alerts in the US – Photo: Shutterstock

In Wisconsin, snow began moving from west to east overnight, with early reports of slippery roads in Clayton and Grant counties.

The NWS warned in its forecast that routes in northeastern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin have snow-covered areas that could complicate driving, especially in rural stretches.

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Iowa faces advisories that will remain in effect until early Sunday, with cities in the center of the state expecting rapid accumulation and ice forming on road surfaces.

The Quad Cities office reiterated that driving “could be very difficult” in various sectors of the northeast, while Illinois will also see slippery surfaces due to overnight snowfall.

Impact in Colorado and the advance of cold air

In the Elkhead and Park Mountains of Colorado, up to three inches of snow are forecast, accompanied by winds around 35 mph, reducing visibility and complicating travel during the night and morning.

US uthorities anticipate a challenging start to the week as cold winter air persists, continuing its southward movement and supporting prolonged snowfall.

The NWS warned residents to prepare for limited mobility, especially in high-elevation areas where roads may become impassable.

Experts recommended avoiding long trips and carrying basic supplies when traveling.

Alaska reports the most severe conditions

In Alaska, NWS alerts have been active since early Sunday and will remain in effect through Monday night, with accumulations expected to reach between 40 and 50 centimeters in Hyder.

Local authorities noted that travel would be hazardous not only due to snowfall but also because strong gusts could knock down branches and compromise visibility.

In areas such as Eastern Chichagof Island and Glacier Bay, additional accumulations between 20 and 50 centimeters are expected, along with winds reaching up to 50 mph.

The Juneau office warned that in areas near White Pass, temperatures could drop to 20 degrees below zero, causing exposed skin to freeze in less than 30 minutes.

Wyoming also faces severe blizzard conditions

The Sierra Madre and Snowy Range Mountains in Wyoming are under NWS advisories for 12 to 25 centimeters of snow and winds that could reach 105 km/h.

The NWS cautioned that those remaining outdoors without proper preparation could face “potentially life-threatening” scenarios due to the extreme cold and lack of visibility.

Hikers and snowmobile users could easily become disoriented, with the risk of frostbite and hypothermia developing quickly.

Total accumulation in some areas could exceed one meter of snow during the event.

More US states at risk this week due to the winter storm

The NWS also forecast that Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Montana, Idaho, and Washington could see heavy snowfall over the next three to seven days.

Authorities urged travelers to carry flashlights, water, food, and thermal clothing, as well as consult state portals for real-time road conditions, according to Newsweek.