Severe winter weather alerts are in effect across four states as significant snowstorms are anticipated to bring dangerous conditions leading into the Thanksgiving week.
Alerts have been announced for Alaska, California, Nevada, and Oregon.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning that the upcoming snowstorms may render travel highly challenging or even unfeasible in the impacted areas.
A winter storm warning has been issued for the eastern Sierra Slopes in California, with significant snowfall expected from 4 a.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Wednesday. Forecasters predict significant snow totals ranging from 1.5 to 5 feet based on elevation, while wind gusts may reach up to 45 mph, worsening the situation.
Northern Trinity County in California is preparing for snowfall at elevations above 4,500 feet, with projections of up to 15 inches by 4 p.m. on Monday. Travel on Highway 3 at Scott Mountain Pass may face additional challenges due to winds gusting up to 45 mph, according to the NWS.
A winter storm warning has been issued for Nevada’s Greater Lake Tahoe Area, effective from 7 a.m. Monday until 4 a.m. Wednesday, with expected snowfall totals between 5 and 30 inches based on elevation. Strong winds could reach speeds of 75 mph, leading to hazardous travel situations.
In the adjacent Mono County, California, a warning has been issued, forecasting snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 feet for elevations above 7,000 feet, continuing through Wednesday morning. Winds in the ridge area may hit speeds of 80 mph.
In California, a warning is in effect for south central Siskiyou County, which encompasses the towns of McCloud and Dunsmuir, lasting until 4 a.m. Tuesday. Significant snowfall at elevations exceeding 4,000 feet may reach as much as 24 inches, creating dangerous conditions on Highway 89.
A winter storm warning has been issued for the Upper Koyukuk Valley in western Alaska, affecting areas such as Allakaket, Bettles, and Evansville. Significant snowfall is anticipated, with an extra 6 to 9 inches expected by 6 a.m. AKST Monday, as reported by the NWS.
A warning has been issued for the South Slopes of the Western Brooks Range and the Lower Koyukuk Valley in Alaska, where total snow accumulations of 7 to 10 inches are expected. Travel in these regions may turn very dangerous.
Travelers are urged to pack emergency supplies and stay informed about road conditions before heading into areas impacted by the storm.
A warning for winter storms is declared when a notable mix of dangerous winter conditions is happening or expected soon. According to the NWS, hazardous weather is characterized by significant snowfall or sleet, specifically 5 inches or more within a 12-hour span or 7 inches or more within a 24-hour timeframe. Additionally, ice accumulation that poses a risk to power lines and a dangerous mix of snow and/or ice with wind is also included in this definition.