Winter weather warnings have been issued in four states as heavy snowstorms are expected to create hazardous conditions through the start of Thanksgiving week.
Warnings have been issued for Alaska, California, Nevada, and Oregon.
The NWS issued a warning, stating that the snowstorms could create extremely challenging or even impossible travel conditions in the affected regions.
A winter storm warning has been issued for the eastern Sierra Slopes in California, where significant snowfall is anticipated from Monday morning to Wednesday morning. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), snow accumulations ranging from 1.5 to 5 feet can be expected, with higher elevations experiencing the larger amounts. In addition, wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph will worsen the already challenging conditions.
Northern Trinity County in California is preparing for snowfall above 4,500 feet, with up to 15 inches expected by 4 p.m. on Monday. The National Weather Service (NWS) cautions that travel on Highway 3 at Scott Mountain Pass may be more challenging due to strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
The Greater Lake Tahoe Area in Nevada is currently under a winter storm warning from 7 a.m. on Monday to 4 a.m. on Wednesday. Snowfall totals are expected to range from 5 to 30 inches, depending on elevation. In addition, ridge winds may gust as high as 75 mph, making travel conditions extremely hazardous.
In addition to Inyo County, the nearby Mono County in California has also been included in the warning. The forecast for Mono County predicts snow accumulation ranging between 1 and 3 feet above 7,000 feet, lasting until Wednesday morning. Additionally, ridge winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 80 mph.
In California, there is a warning in effect until 4 a.m. Tuesday for south central Siskiyou County, which includes the towns of McCloud and Dunsmuir. The area could experience heavy snowfall of up to 24 inches above 4,000 feet, leading to hazardous conditions on Highway 89.
A winter storm warning has been issued for the Upper Koyukuk Valley and various towns in Alaska, such as Allakaket, Bettles, and Evansville. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts heavy snowfall, with an estimated 6 to 9 inches of accumulation expected by 6 a.m. AKST on Monday.
The South Slopes of the Western Brooks Range, as well as the Lower Koyukuk Valley in Alaska, are currently under a warning due to expected total snow accumulations of 7 to 10 inches. Traveling in these areas may become extremely hazardous.
The NWS recommends that travelers should carry emergency supplies and should check for updates on road conditions before heading into areas affected by the storm.
When the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a winter storm warning, it means that there is a significant and potentially dangerous combination of winter weather conditions either happening at the moment or about to happen. According to the NWS, hazardous weather conditions include the accumulation of 5 inches or more of snow or sleet within a 12-hour period, or 7 inches or more of snow or sleet within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the warning also takes into account the potential damage caused by ice accumulation on power lines and the presence of a life-threatening or damaging combination of snow, ice, and wind.