Winter Storm Warning Issued for Six States As 20 Inches of Snow Forecast

Winter storm warnings are in place in six states across the U.S., with up to 20 inches of snow forecast in some areas.

Why It Matters

Challenging driving conditions may affect travel as many Americans journey across the country during the holiday season.

What To Know

The six states under winter storm warnings are New York, Vermont, Maryland, West Virginia, Colorado and Wyoming.

New York

A winter weather warning is in place in portions of northern New York, including in St. Lawrence County, Franklin, and Clinton.

The National Weather Service has warned of up to 14 inches of snow, and wind gusts of up to 50 mph, with the strongest winds expected on Thursday.

“The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Strong winds may also cause areas of blowing snow and reduce visibilities farther. Travel could be very difficult. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches,” the NWS service said.

Residents are advised to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle if they need to travel.

The warning is in place until 7 a.m. on Friday.

Vermont

A warning is in place in northeast and northwest Vermont. Between 4 and 14 inches of snow is expected, and wind gusts of up to 50 mph, with the strongest winds expected on Thursday.

“The combination of strong winds and heavy snow could bring down tree limbs, potentially leading to power outages,” the National Weather Service warned. “Blowing snow may reduce visibility, making travel very difficult. Gusty winds could also cause tree branches to fall.”

Residents are encouraged to carry an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle if travel is necessary.

The warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Friday.

Maryland

A winter storm warnings are in place in Garrett County, where up to 2 inches of heavy snow is expected and winds of up to 45 mph until 4 a.m. on Thursday, which could cause slick and hazardous roads and reduced visibility.

Through Friday and Saturday morning, up to 8 inches of snow could fall, according to the NWS, with winds of up to 50 mph. Residents are warned that roads and bridges could be hazardous and that travel could be “very difficult” and that visibility may fall below a quarter-mile due to heavy snowfall and blowing snow. Strong winds combined with the weight of snow on tree limbs could also bring down power lines, leading to sporadic outages.

Residents are encouraged to carry an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle if travel is necessary.

West Virginia

Warnings are in place in Pocahontas and Randolph Counties, Webster County, Preston and Tucker Counties, and Grant and Pendleton Counties. The NWS has issued warnings for additional snow, high winds, and hazardous travel conditions through the end of the week.

Areas including Garrett County in Maryland and Western Grant, Western Pendleton, Southeast Webster, Northwest Pocahontas, and Southeast Randolph Counties in West Virginia remain under a winter storm warning until 4 a.m. Thursday. These regions could see up to 4 inches of additional snowfall, with winds gusting as high as 50 mph. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are expected to become slick and dangerous, with reduced visibility due to blowing snow.

A winter storm watch is in effect from late Thursday night through Saturday morning for multiple areas, including Southeast Webster and Southeast Randolph Counties. Snowfall totals between 4 to 8 inches are expected, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. The hazardous conditions could significantly disrupt travel, including Friday morning and evening commutes.

Authorities urge residents to limit travel if possible and to carry an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles. The NWS advises monitoring updates via its website or local alerts and reporting snow or ice accumulations to its offices.

Colorado

Winter weather warnings are in place in the Elkhead and Park Mountains and Rabbit Ears Pass.

For the Elkhead and Park Mountains, the NWS predicts total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches, and wind gusts of up to 40 mph, exacerbating the hazards of blowing snow and reduced visibility. Travel in the region, including through towns like Columbine, Hahns Peak, and Toponas, could be very difficult. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution as slick and hazardous conditions are expected, especially on bridges and overpasses.

In Rabbit Ears Pass, snow totals are also expected to reach between 8 and 16 inches, with wind gusts of up to 45 mph. The combination of heavy snowfall and high winds could make travel nearly impossible in some areas.

The NWS urges anyone traveling in these regions to take precautions, including keeping an extra flashlight, warm clothing, food, and water in their vehicle in case of emergencies. Up-to-date road conditions can be accessed by calling 511 or visiting www.cotrip.org.

Residents are advised to stay informed and limit travel unless necessary, as the storm’s impacts are expected to peak during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.

Wyoming

Residents and travelers in Wyoming’s mountainous regions are under winter storm warnings, with hazardous conditions forecast through Thursday. The NWS warns of heavy snowfall and strong winds that could create dangerous travel conditions and risks for outdoor recreation.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for the Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges until 5 p.m. MST Thursday. These areas could see snow accumulations of 12 to 20 inches, accompanied by wind gusts up to 50 mph. The combination of falling and blowing snow is expected to cause extremely low visibility, posing significant risks for hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers.

The Salt River and Wyoming Ranges are also under a winter storm warning until 11 a.m. MST Thursday. Heavy snow of 12 to 16 inches is expected, with even higher totals in elevated.

In the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, snow accumulations of 12 to 16 inches are expected, with amounts up to 12 inches on Teton Pass and 8 inches on Togwotee Pass. Winds and snow are likely to impact visibility and make travel hazardous through Thursday morning.

The NWS advises those in the affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is unavoidable, individuals should carry emergency supplies, including a flashlight, food, and water. Up-to-date road conditions can be checked by calling 511.

Residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant as these conditions may disrupt commutes and outdoor activities, making preparedness crucial.

What Happens Next

The warnings come amid reports that a polar vortex could bring the coldest January the U.S. has faced in years.

A polar vortex is a stream of cold air and could mean severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that could affect travel conditions and lead to school closures.

“Below-normal temperatures are favored across the central and eastern U.S. during much of January,” the NWS said last week.