Winter Storm Warnings in 15 States for 3 Feet of Snow and 65 mph Winds Emerge
February hasn't brought as much severe winter weather to the majority of the U.S. as January, but the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of new storms in 15 states starting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and continuing through Thursday, Feb. 19.
The NWS has issued winter storm warnings and alerts for wide areas of California, with meteorologists projecting snow totals as high as 8 feet of snow, with an average of 3, in higher elevations in the state. But, it's not just California.
15 States Across the U.S. Under Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories
The NWS has 15 states under warnings, watches or advisories, as this multi-faceted storm brings snow, ice and low visibility to areas of the U.S. Starting as early as Monday, Feb. 16, and continuing through Thursday, Feb. 19, the NWS issued warnings, watches or advisories for areas of Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon, California, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Michigan and Wisconsin.
While those states are bracing for additional snowfall, other areas of the U.S. are in line for fire hazards. "Gusty to high winds and low relative humidity will bring elevated to critical fire weather to the central and southern Plains into Wednesday," the NWS shared in a post on X. "Two Pacific storms will impact the western U.S. into Wednesday with gusty winds, low elevation rain and heavy mountain snow."
California, specifically, has a severe weather situation brewing, with the NWS warning that "a series of Pacific frontal systems will bring heavy mountain snow to California through mid-week. Impacts are expected to be. Extreme across the Sierra Nevada, travel will be extremely dangerous or impossible."
The weather experts at AccuWeather tell Men's Journal that after the first and second waves of this storm in California, a third storm will arrive on Thursday, Feb. 19, "focused on the central coast and portions of Southern California. The shift follows weeks of dry conditions and temperatures above the historical average, with statewide water levels falling below their typical mid-February levels."
Watch for High Winds, Weather Experts Say
Areas of the West Coast should also expect strong winds. The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a high wind warning for parts of southern Utah, with winds on target to reach up to 65 mph.
Thankfully, the NOAA shared on their official website that the majority of the country is in for a warmup from the middle of February until March 2. The organization's eight to 14 day outlook shows warmer conditions everywhere except the northwest.
While snow totals get plenty of attention, weather experts say to also beware of driving in conditions where they may not be a lot of snow but, instead, low visibility. WFTV states, "Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision. If you must pull off the road, signal, then carefully pull off as far as possible and turn your hazard lights on."