Winter storm warnings and weather advisories have been issued across six states, as hazardous conditions including snow, freezing rain, and dangerous roadways are expected. Michigan and Indiana are facing full winter storm warnings, while other areas, including New York, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Alaska, are under winter weather advisories. These warnings indicate potential travel difficulties and serious safety concerns due to snow and icy conditions.
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when snowfall is expected to exceed 6 inches in 12 hours, or 8 inches in 24 hours, or if sleet accumulations are expected to surpass half an inch. Winter Weather Advisories are issued for lesser accumulations, typically 3 to 5 inches of snow, sleet up to 1/4 inch, or freezing rain with snow or sleet.
Here’s an update on the weather conditions in each state:
Michigan
Several counties in Michigan are under winter storm warnings as lake-effect snow continues.
Warning Areas:
- Allegan, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties are under a warning until 10 a.m. EST Tuesday, expecting 4 inches of snow.
- Cass, Northern Berrien, and Southern Berrien counties anticipate 2 to 4 inches of snow, with low visibility expected during Tuesday morning’s commute.
Advisory Areas:
- Muskegon, Mason, and Lake counties are expecting up to 1 inch of snow until 7 a.m. EST Tuesday, while parts of northern Michigan may see up to 6 inches. Localized areas near Grand Marais could receive 8 inches of snow.
Indiana
Heavy snow is affecting northern Indiana.
Warning Areas:
- Eastern and Western St. Joseph counties are under a winter storm warning with 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.
Advisory Areas:
- Elkhart and Northern La Porte counties are under advisories for up to 2 inches of snow, with slippery roads and reduced visibility during Tuesday morning’s commute.
Alaska
Alaska is dealing with mixed precipitation and high winds.
Advisory Areas:
- The Kuskokwim Delta faces a winter storm warning from 3 a.m. AKST Tuesday to 3 p.m. AKST Thursday, with snow, ice, and gusty winds expected.
- The Lower Kuskokwim Valley also faces advisories, with 3 inches of snow and ice accumulation. Areas like Bristol Bay and Anchorage are expected to see slippery travel conditions. The Dalton Highway summits will experience reduced visibility and wind chills as low as -40°F.
New York
Lake-effect snow is impacting parts of New York.
Advisory Areas:
- Madison, Onondaga, and Southern Cayuga counties are under advisories until 1 p.m. EST Tuesday, with up to 3 inches of snow.
- Wayne and Northern Cayuga counties will see 1 to 3 inches, with persistent snow bands causing local accumulation.
Tennessee
East Tennessee’s mountainous areas are under a winter weather advisory.
Advisory Areas:
- Snowfall of 1 to 4 inches, with higher accumulations in the Smoky Mountains, is expected in mountain areas above 2,500 feet. Travelers are advised to be cautious on mountain roads.
Minnesota
Southern Cook County is set to receive heavy snow.
Advisory Areas:
- Snow accumulations between 3 and 7 inches are forecast, particularly in elevated areas, with slippery roads potentially affecting the evening commute.
Safety Precautions
The National Weather Service urges residents in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor local weather updates, and prepare emergency kits with food, water, and flashlights. Snow, ice, and strong winds may make travel hazardous, and drivers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels like state-operated 511 services.