Winter weather warnings for 12 states as 17 inches of snow will fall

Winter storm warnings and weather warnings are in effect in 12 states due to expected snowfall, freezing rain and potentially hazardous road conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, while winter weather warnings are active in those three states as well as Ohio, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Oregon, California, Nevada and Alaska.

A winter storm warning means severe weather with heavy snowfall of at least 6 inches in 12 hours or 8 inches in 24 hours or significant sleet accumulations. A winter weather advisory indicates less severe conditions but still warns of snow, sleet or freezing rain that could pose a risk to travel.

Here’s the latest state-by-state breakdown:

Michigan

Michigan faces widespread winter storm warnings and advisories due to heavy lake effect snowfall.

Warning areas:

• Upper Peninsula: Counties including Alger, Luce and Northern Schoolcraft are expected to receive 10-17 inches of snow through Friday morning. Areas including Keweenaw and Gogebic counties will remain under warnings through Thursday morning, with additional snowfall of up to 2 inches expected, boosted by wind gusts of 40 mph.
• Northern Lower Michigan: Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet and Otsego counties are expected to receive 8 to 16 inches of snow through Friday. Strong winds are expected to cause whiteout situations, particularly near major highways.
• Western Lower Michigan: Warnings are in effect for Allegan, Muskegon and Ottawa counties through Thursday, with 1 to 3 inches of lake-effect snow forecast in addition to gusty winds.

Consulting areas:

• Central Michigan: Areas including Ingham and Jackson counties could see 2 to 4 inches of snow through Thursday morning, with slippery roads expected.
• Northern Michigan: Counties like Alpena and Roscommon are expected to see up to 6 inches of snow and winds up to 40 miles per hour.

Wisconsin

Northern Wisconsin is bracing for heavy lake-effect snow due to winter storm watches and warnings.

Warning areas:

• Iron County: Another 6 inches of snow is expected to fall through Thursday morning, with blowing snow reducing visibility and making roads dangerous.

Consulting areas:

• Ashland and Bayfield Counties: Up to 1 inch of additional snow is forecast under warnings that continue through Thursday morning. Travelers are asked to exercise caution on icy roads.

Minnesota

Winter weather advisories are in effect for parts of the state as lake snow and gusty winds impact travel conditions.

Warning areas:

• Duluth Region: Heavy lake snow may produce accumulations of 1 to 5 inches with gusts up to 40 mph. A winter storm warning is in effect until 7 a.m. ET, followed by a winter weather advisory until 7 p.m. Travelers should expect hazardous road conditions throughout the day.

Consulting areas:

• Marquette County: A winter weather advisory is in effect until 7 a.m. Additional snow of up to 5 cm and gusty winds will make for slippery roads and blowing snow.

Ohio

Consulting areas:

A warning is issued for northern Ohio counties, with up to 6 inches of snow forecast in Ashtabula and Lake counties through Thursday morning. Gusty winds are expected to exacerbate dangerous travel conditions.

new York

Snow caused by lakes will impact travel in parts of New York.

Consulting areas:

• Northern Oneida County: Snowfall of 2-4 inches is expected through Friday, with gusts up to 45 mph causing blowing snow.
• Livingston and Ontario Counties: Lake-related snow could reach a total of 4 to 7 inches by early Friday, causing significant travel disruption.

West Virginia

West Virginia
Winter weather warnings are in effect as light snow and strong winds create dangerous travel conditions in parts of the state.

Consulting areas:

• Western Grant and Western Pendleton Counties: Snow accumulations of up to 1 inch and wind gusts of up to 50 mph are expected under an advisory that lasts until 6 a.m. ET Thursday. Slippery roads and possible tree damage are likely.
• Eastern Preston and Tucker Counties: Snow depths of up to 1 inch and wind gusts of up to 45 mph will cause blowing snow and slippery roads. The warning will remain in effect until 8 a.m. Thursday, creating a dangerous morning commute.
• Mercer, Summers and Western Greenbrier Counties: Snow accumulations of up to 1 inch and gusts of up to 45 mph are forecast under an advisory until 8 a.m. Thursday. Dangerous driving conditions are to be expected.
• Northwest Pocahontas and Southeast Randolph County: Snow accumulations of up to 3 inches and winds up to 50 mph will create slippery roads and possible disruption to the morning commute. The consultation is active until Thursday, 8 a.m.

Virginia

Consulting areas:

Up to an inch of snow accumulation is expected in Tazewell County, with wind gusts up to 45 mph, potentially causing slippery roads and disruptions during the morning commute.

Maryland

Consulting areas:

Snow accumulations of up to 1 inch and wind gusts of up to 50 mph are expected in Garrett County, which is under an advisory until 6 a.m. ET Thursday. Travelers should exercise caution on slippery roads, especially on bridges and overpasses, as there is a risk of tree damage in gusty winds.

Oregon

Consulting areas:

The foothills of the Blue Mountains may see up to an inch of snow and a light layer of ice, which could lead to slippery conditions through Thursday.

California and Nevada

Winter Weather Warnings are active throughout the Sierra Nevada, affecting both Eastern California and Western Nevada. Snowfall and strong winds are expected to create dangerous travel conditions.

Consulting areas:

• Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks: Up to 10 inches of snow is expected above 6,000 feet by Thursday evening.
• Northern Sierra: Snow accumulations could total 6-12 inches above 5,000 feet, with gusty winds reducing visibility.
• Lassen, Plumas and Sierra Counties: Snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches (up to 10 inches on peaks) and mountain ridge winds up to 50 mph are expected from 10:00 p.m. Wednesday through 4:00 p.m. PST Thursday. Slippery roads and dangerous commutes are likely.
• Lake Tahoe area: Snowfall of 1 to 4 inches at lake level and 4 to 8 inches above 7,000 feet, with gusts up to 90 mph. The consultation runs from Wednesday 10 p.m. to Thursday 4 p.m. Travel will be difficult and dangerous conditions on the lake are expected.

Alaska

Interior Alaska, including Fairbanks and Delta Junction, is under a snow advisory Thursday through Friday, with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected in some areas. Dangerous driving conditions are likely on snow-covered roads.

Travel and security

The NWS urges residents in affected areas to limit travel during severe weather and carry emergency supplies such as flashlights, food and water. Motorists should prepare for sudden changes in visibility and icy roads, especially in areas where lake snow occurs.

As the winter storm progresses, more updates are expected from local authorities to guide residents and travelers through potentially hazardous conditions.