Weekend Weather Warnings Issued for 8 States as Winter Storms Lash US

Winter storm warnings have been issued for eight U.S. states as snow and rain are expected to lash western and southwestern parts of U.S. this weekend.

California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming all have National Weather Service (NWS) warnings in place, with several expected to last throughout the weekend.

In Montana, snow is expected to intensify throughout Saturday, with 4 to 8 inches expected to fall over lower elevations in northern parts of the state. Similar snow amounts are predicted in neighbouring Wyoming and Oregon, particularly at higher elevations, coupled with wind gusts up to 40 mph in the latter state.

Further south in Colorado and New Mexico, heavy snow is expected across both states that will make travel conditions dangerous. New Mexicans can expect heavy and blowing snow in mountainous regions, with as much as 24 inches expected to fall in the Sangre Cristo Mountains. Travel in affected areas is predicted to be "difficult to impossible."

In Colorado, the Douglas, Jefferson, Boulder, and Central Larimer Counties can expect between 6 and 15 inches of snow to fall throughout Saturday; travel conditions are likely to be hazardous due to "heavy, wet snow and slick road conditions."

Throughout Saturday night and through to Monday morning, residents of Sierraville, Westwood, Loyalton, Portola, and Susanville in Nevada can expect around 2 to 8 inches of snowfall, coupled with wind gusts as high as 55 mph. Around 2 inches of snow could fall per hour along travel routes, with motorists urged to take particular caution on bridges and overpasses. Travelers are encouraged to delay their plans due to a risk of becoming stranded.

In Utah, heavy snow can be expected in the La Sal and Abajo mountains until 5 p.m. MST on Saturday.

Motorists in snowy areas are urged to carry extra supplies, including food, water and flashlights in case of emergency while traveling.

California Storms

California is expected to be drenched in snow, rain and hail over the weekend as the "Pineapple Express" atmospheric river brings excessive amounts of water to the state.

Accuweather has reported that a second storm with arrive on Sunday in a "meteorological double-whammy" following a storm that dumped several inches of rain on the state and lasted into Thursday evening. Some 37 million people are at risk from flooding as the storm comes in on Saturday night and Sunday.

"Roughly 94 percent of California's population, up to 37 million people, is at risk for flooding, some of which can be life-threatening. Due to the numerous mountains and hills, even just a few inches of rain can cause significant flooding," AccuWeather senior director of forecasting operations Dan DePodwin said. "The greatest risk of a widespread flooding disaster is expected across the canyons and hills of Southern California, especially in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties."

Flash flooding has been common in California throughout January 2024, and is most likely in portions of southern and central California, the forecaster has predicted.

Higher elevations can also expect several inches of snow, according to NWS warnings. On Sunday morning, Trinity County can expect 8 to 15 inches of snow above 3,000 feet, with around 2 to 3 inches at lower levels.

Newsweek has contacted the National Weather Service via email for comment on the Californian weather this weekend.