Winter Weather Alerts Issued for 15 States With Warnings Across US

Winter weather warnings have been issued across swathes of the U.S. as snow and fast winds are expected throughout the country.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts across 15 states in all regions of the country, with all forecasted to experience snowfall and wind gusts as a storm system passes over the U.S.

Across many areas, drivers are warned that roads could become difficult to traverse and that visibility is likely to poor. The NWS advises keeping tire chains, flashlights, and blankets in your vehicle if travel is necessary, as well as food, water and medications.

A full list of weather warnings can be found here. Newsweek contacted the National Weather Service for comment via email on Saturday.

West

In the West, parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Nevada have all been issued weather warnings and advisories beginning on Saturday that are expected to last into various points on Sunday evening. Parts of California, including Quincy, Chester, and Blue Canyon, can expect snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches and wind gusts reaching 50 mph, according to the NWS.

Bitter conditions are also expected in Oregon, Washington and Montana. A warning is in place across the south-central Oregon Cascades, with as much as 20 inches of snow expected and wind gusts as high as 40 mph. In neighbouring Montana, no weather warning is in place, but advisories have been posted for similar wintery conditions, albeit with less severe levels of snowfall.

In Nevada, around 5 to 10 inches of snow is expected to fall around Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas. Exceptional wind gusts of between 80 and 100 mph are expected over the Sierra Ridges, with lower elevations likely to experience speeds of up to 50 mph.

Colorado, although known for its high snow accumulations at this time of year, has also been issued a winter storm warning. A warning for the Eastern San Juan Mountains that goes into effect at 11 p.m. on Saturday reads: "Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 19 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph."

South East and West

Winter storm warnings have been issued across the east and west southern states of New Mexico, Arizona, Virginia, North and South Carolina, as well as the District of Colombia.

From late on Saturday evening, New Mexicans in highland areas across the Plateau-Chuska Mountains, Tusas Mountains and Chama-Jemez Mountains can expect snowfall ranging from 2 inches to 18 inches, dependant on elevation. High winds of up to 40 mph are also forecasted from 11 p.m. Poor conditions are expected to last until the Monday morning commute, the NWS has warned.

Virginia and North Carolina have both been warned about mixed precipitation of snow and sleet, which is expected to make roads slick and hazardous. In South Carolina, significant ice is expected, particularly along Highway 64 and the surrounding areas. Arizona can expect to witness blowing and drifting snow around Fredonia and Jacob Lake.

North East

Northeastern states have also been placed under NWS winter storm warnings. In New York state, snow of around 6 to 12 inches is expected in various areas, which is set to fall at a rate of 1 inch per hour, according to the NWS. In Vermont, similar snow amounts have been forecast, coupled with winds of up to 30 mph across several counties from 7 p.m. on Saturday.

A similar picture is expected in Maine and New Hampshire, where coastal areas are expected to bear the brunt of the bad weather.

Outside of the contiguous U.S., Alaska has also been issued with winter storm warnings beginning on Saturday evening and lasting into Sunday night. Large snow drifts are expected to cause poor traveling conditions in various areas.