Six U.S. states have issued winter storm warnings, with some regions expecting up to 20 inches of snow. As many Americans travel across the nation during the holiday season, difficult driving conditions may have an impact on travel.
New York, Vermont, Maryland, West Virginia, Colorado, and Wyoming are the six states that are under a winter storm warning.
New York
Parts of northern New York, including Clinton, Franklin, and St. Lawrence County, are under a winter weather warning.
Up to 14 inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 50 mph are predicted by the National Weather Service, with Thursday seeing the worst winds.
Power lines may be brought down by strong winds and the weight of snow on tree branches, which might result in intermittent power outages.
In addition to causing areas of blowing snow, strong winds can further limit visibility. Traveling could be somewhat challenging. Tree branches may fall due to gusty gusts, the NWS service warned.
If residents must travel, they should pack food, water, and an additional lantern in their car. The warning is valid until Friday at 7 a.m.
Vermont
Northeast and northwest Vermont are under a warning. The forecast calls for 4–14 inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 50 mph, with Thursday seeing the worst winds.
The National Weather Service issued a warning, saying,
“The combination of strong winds and heavy snow could bring down tree limbs, potentially leading to power outages. Blowing snow may reduce visibility, making travel very difficult. Gusty winds could also cause tree branches to fall.”
If residents must go, they are advised to pack food, water, and an additional flashlight in their vehicles. The warning is still in force until Friday at 7 a.m.
 Maryland
Garrett County is under a winter storm warning, which could result in slick and dangerous roadways, decreased visibility, and up to 2 inches of heavy snow. Winds of up to 45 mph are also predicted until 4 a.m. on Thursday.
The NWS predicts 4 to 8 inches of snow with winds of up to 50 mph through Friday and Saturday AM. Residents are cautioned that heavy snowfall and blowing snow could make roads and bridges dangerous, make travel “very difficult,” and cause visibility to drop below a quarter-mile.
Power lines may also be brought down by strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs, resulting in intermittent outages.
If residents must go, they are advised to pack food, water, and an additional flashlight in their vehicles.
West Virginia
Pocahontas and Randolph Counties, Webster County, Preston and Tucker Counties, and Grant and Pendleton Counties are all under a warning. Through the rest of the week, the NWS has issued advisories for further snow, strong gusts, and dangerous driving conditions.
Winter storm warnings are in effect through 4 a.m. Thursday in several areas, including Garrett County in Maryland and Western Grant, Western Pendleton, Southeast Webster, Northwest Pocahontas, and Southeast Randolph Counties in West Virginia. Up to 4 inches of snow might fall in certain areas, and gusts of up to 50 mph are possible.
Due to blowing snow, roads—particularly bridges and overpasses—are predicted to become hazardous and treacherous.
From late Thursday evening through Saturday morning, several areas, including Southeast Randolph and Southeast Webster Counties, are under a winter storm watch.
Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are predicted, along with snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches. Travel, notably Friday morning and evening commutes, might be severely disrupted by the dangerous circumstances.
Residents are urged by authorities to keep their travel to a minimum and to keep an emergency kit in their cars that includes food, water, and a torch. The NWS recommends reporting snow or ice accumulations to its offices and keeping an eye on changes through its website or local alerts.
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Colorado
Rabbit Ears Pass, the Park Mountains, and the Elkhead Mountains are under a winter weather warning.
The NWS forecasts 8 to 16 inches of total snow accumulation for the Elkhead and Park Mountains, along with wind gusts of up to 40 mph, which will increase the risk of blowing snow and lowering visibility.
It could be exceedingly challenging to travel in the area, especially through communities like Toponas, Hahns Peak, and Columbine. Extreme caution is advised for drivers due to the likelihood of slick and dangerous conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
Additionally, snow totals of 8 to 16 inches and wind gusts of up to 45 mph are predicted for Rabbit Ears Pass. In certain places, the combination of strong gusts and a lot of snow could make travel all but impossible.
Anyone traveling in these areas is urged by the NWS to exercise caution and carry emergency supplies in their car, such as food, water, warm clothes, and an extra flashlight. You can check the most recent road conditions by going to www.cotrip.org or by calling 511.
Because the storm’s effects are predicted to be most severe during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes, residents are urged to remain informed and limit their travel unless absolutely essential.
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Wyoming
Hazardous conditions are expected through Thursday for residents and visitors in Wyoming’s mountainous areas, which are under winter storm warnings. The NWS issues a warning about the possibility of hazardous travel conditions and risks for outdoor activities due to heavy precipitation and strong winds.
The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges are still under a snow storm warning through Thursday at 5 p.m. MST. Snow accumulations of 12 to 20 inches and wind gusts of up to 50 mph are possible in certain places. It is predicted that the combination of falling and blowing snow would result in very poor visibility, which would put hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers at serious risk.
Additionally, a winter storm warning is in effect through Thursday at 11 a.m. MST for the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges. Twelve to sixteen inches of heavy snow is predicted, with much higher totals in higher elevations.
Snow accumulations of 12 to 16 inches are anticipated in the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, with Teton Pass receiving up to 12 inches and Togwotee Pass receiving up to 8 inches. Through Thursday morning, visibility will likely be affected by winds and snow, making travel dangerous.
Those in the impacted areas are advised by the NWS to refrain from needless travel. People should have emergency supplies, such as food, drink, and a flashlight, if they must go. You can verify the current state of the roads by phoning 511.
Being prepared is essential because these conditions may interfere with outdoor activities and commutes, therefore locals and visitors are asked to stay alert.