Heavy Snow Warning Issued Amid Blizzard Conditions: 'Travel Could Be Impossible'

The official start of spring may have passed, but two states are still gearing up for strong winter storms this week.

The National Weather Service issued a new winter weather advisory with heavy snow in the forecast as up to more than a foot of snow hits – four days after the start of spring.

"A strong cold front is expected to bring some relief from the heat mid-to-late this week as it makes its way south across the nation," the National Weather Service said. "This system will originate from a Pacific low pressure system that will move onshore in the Northwest today. The energy from this system will push across the Intermountain West and drive a cold front south across the central and eastern U.S. later this week."

Washington Bracing for More Snow

The Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Cascades of Snohomish and Northern King Counties including Mount Baker and Stevens Pass are expected to see heavy snowfall this week.

"A convergence zone will develop Wednesday afternoon which could bring a period of locally heavier snow, especially at Steven's Pass," the National Weather Service said while warning "travel could be very difficult to impossible."

Total snow accumulations between eight and 12 inches are expected across the region, but Mount Baker could see up to 57 inches of snowfall over the next three days.

Blizzard Conditions in Alaska

The National Weather Service defines blizzards as dangerous winter storms that are a combination of blowing snow and wind resulting in very low visibilities. While heavy snowfalls and severe cold often accompany blizzards, they are not required to hit the criteria.

Officially, the National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm which contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time.

Alaska will see such conditions with blowing snow expected and winds gusting as high as 45 mph from Wednesday morning through Wednesday night.

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