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More harsh winter weather is coming this weekend as the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a slew of warnings.
They are in place during another weekend of freezing temperatures and snow for millions of Americans. Last weekend, a major winter storm swept across the country, putting around 70 million people under NWS-issued weather alerts. Newsweek has contacted the NWS for comment via email.
As of Friday morning, current winter storm warnings said that once again the breadth of the U.S. will deal with bitter winter conditions over the weekend, albeit not as widespread as the last one. California, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia all have warnings in place.
In Maryland and West Virginia, the NWS has warned of "life-threatening conditions" for anyone who becomes stuck in snow. Travel is likely to be difficult, the forecaster has said, with gusty winds resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow. The NWS says that cold wind chills could cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes.
In California, areas around Quincy and Chester can expect 8 to 16 inches of snow at higher elevations, with 1 to 3 inches at lower ground, coupled with wind speeds of 35mph. Conditions are expected to be worst around the Interstate 80 and Highways 50 and 88.
In Indiana, travel in Porter County is expected to be very dangerous due to intense lake effect snow. Whiteout conditions are likely, with the NWS saying that these can occur in the span of just a few miles.
You can view all current winter storm warnings here.
Americans across all states with weather warnings, particularly in the worst-affected areas, are urged to stay at home until conditions improve. Motorists are warned that conditions on roads may be icy and that visibility is likely to be poor due to blowing snow.
Weather maps from the NWS show a front of snow coming in from over the north Pacific Ocean on Saturday morning, traveling over the western states and into the southwest as the day progresses. While most of these areas will see snow, the NWS has also forecast freezing rain for parts of northern Oregon and southern Washington.
Rain is expected across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, with some freezing rain predicted for the former three.
Freezing rain will hit numerous eastern, Midwest and southern states on Monday, according to preliminary predictions; while northern areas such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Idaho are forecast to see snow.
The NWS says that anyone traveling in these conditions should prepare well, keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle.
About the writer
Aliss Higham is a Newsweek reporter based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her focus is reporting on Social Security, other government benefits ... Read more