Major Winter Storm System Approaches United States
The National Weather Service has activated winter storm warnings across numerous counties in the United States, predicting significant snowfall beginning Wednesday night and continuing through Thursday and Friday. Multiple regions are bracing for accumulations reaching up to one foot of snow, creating potentially dangerous travel scenarios.
Regional Impact and Snowfall Predictions
Alaska faces the brunt of this weather system, with forecasters predicting heavy snow and strong winds starting Wednesday night, November 19. The Klondike Highway near White Pass could see snow depths approaching one foot by Friday morning.
Other Alaskan regions including St Lawrence Island, Bering Strait Coast, Interior Seward Peninsula, and Diomede are expected to receive up to 6 inches of snow combined with powerful winds reaching 40-50 mph. St Lawrence Island specifically may experience intense snowfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour during Wednesday overnight.
The Kuskokwim Delta region anticipates 3-6 inches of snow with 35 mph winds, while northern Bristol Bay Coast and inland Bristol Bay could see 8 inches of accumulation with 40 mph winds continuing through Thursday afternoon.
Continental US Preparations
Beyond Alaska, several western states are preparing for significant winter weather:
California's northern Ventura County Mountains may receive up to six inches of snow above 6,000 feet elevation, while Mono County areas above 7,000 feet could see accumulations reaching 12 inches.
Colorado's eastern San Juan Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Pikes Peak regions above 10,000 feet are forecast to receive between 4-8 inches of fresh snow.
New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains (both northern and southern sections), Tusas Mountains, and Jemez Mountains face potential snowfall of up to seven inches above 8,500 feet, with the highest peaks possibly receiving 10 inches. These conditions will persist until Friday morning.
Nevada's Spring Mountains above 6,000 feet could see up to seven inches of snow, while Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties may receive 4-8 inches above 7,000 feet, with the highest peaks accumulating up to one foot.
Safety Recommendations and Travel Advisory
The National Weather Service has issued urgent travel warnings, noting that heavy snowfall combined with high winds will likely create hazardous travel conditions and significantly reduced visibility due to blowing snow and blizzard-like situations.
Authorities strongly advise drivers to reduce speed and exercise extreme caution in affected areas. The NWS recommends that travelers keep emergency kits in their vehicles containing extra flashlights, food, and water in case of stranded conditions.
Residents in the warning zones should closely monitor local forecasts as conditions may change rapidly. Households are encouraged to prepare emergency kits for both their homes and vehicles to ensure safety during the storm period.
