Winter Storm Warnings Issued for 16 States as 20 Inches of Snow, 50 mph Winds Emerge
The National Weather Service issued new warnings as winter weather strikes 16 states across the continental United States and Alaska.
Following an unseasonably warm and dry winter, the West Coast is finally getting significant snow accumulation following the massive storm that hit late last month and dropped over 15 feet of snow throughout the Cascades. While this storm won't produce nearly that much snow, up to 20 inches is possible in some locations.
Throughout the North Central United States and Northeast, more snow will fall as temperatures cool off following a slight warming period earlier in the week.
16 States Expected to Receive up to 20 Inches of Snow, 50 mph Winds
The National Weather Service issued updated weather warnings for Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Minnesota and Idaho on March 5.
"On the cool side of the frontal boundary, areas of snow will advance from the interior portions of the Northwest into the northern and central Rocky Mountains today, continuing for the central Rockies into Friday," a statement from the NWS said. "Locally heavy snow will be possible with snowfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches likely for the higher terrain, with accumulations over a foot possible for a few locations."
While some states will see warmer temperatures, "New England will stay cooler than average due to its location north of a stationary front draped across the Mid-Atlantic coast and as a secondary cold frontal surge moves through later today."
Freezing rain is expected to dominate the area with over 0.25 inches of ice accumulation possible from New York into Massachusetts.
The heaviest snowfall is expected to occur in Utah as the Wasatch Mountains face the heaviest accumulations – up to 20 inches in the Cottonwoods – from a strong cold front. Idaho's Bear River Range, meanwhile, could see up to 15 inches.
Colorado, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming are all set to be hit by over 10 inches of snow and strong 40 mph winds – with the Ruby Mountains in for 50 mph gusts.
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