Severe winter weather continues to sweep across the United States, with winter storm warnings and advisories in effect for 19 states. The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, dangerous ice accumulation, and high winds, creating hazardous travel conditions from the Sierra Nevada in California to the Midwest and parts of the East Coast. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that travel may become “difficult to impossible” in some regions.

Heavy Snowfall Impacts Western States

Significant snowfall is forecast for the western United States, where California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, and Washington have been issued winter storm warnings. In California’s Sierra Nevada, snowfall totals could reach 3 feet (91.44 cm) in elevations above 5,000 feet (1,524 m).

Avalanche risks are particularly high in the Greater Lake Tahoe region, prompting officials to issue an avalanche watch. The NWS has cautioned against backcountry travel, stating, “Small boats, kayaks, and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.”

In Nevada, areas above 5,500 feet, including Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties, are bracing for accumulations of up to 3 feet. Ridge winds are expected to gust as high as 75 mph, potentially causing power outages and structural damage. In Siskiyou County, Oregon, snowfall between 10 and 20 inches is forecast, with winds reaching up to 65 mph, creating widespread blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Meteorologist Paul Jameson, based in Reno, Nevada, explained the potential dangers of the storm. “This is the kind of storm that can strand conductors on the highway if they’re unprepared,” he said during a local broadcast. Jameson advised residents to stock emergency supplies and avoid travel until conditions improve.

Ice Storms and Mixed Precipitation Challenge the Midwest

In the Midwest, an ice storm warning remains in effect for parts of eastern Iowa, where ice accumulation of up to 0.30 inches (7.62 mm) is expected. The NWS has warned that the ice could weigh down power lines and trees, resulting in sporadic outages and dangerous road conditions.

Local authorities in Cedar Rapids have prepared additional road crews to manage the icy buildup. City manager Linda Torres urged drivers to stay home, emphasizing, “It only takes a tenth of an inch of ice to create treacherous roads.”

States under winter weather advisories include Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota, where freezing rain, sleet, and light snow are predicted. Mixed precipitation will likely disrupt travel, especially in areas where snow transitions to sleet and freezing rain. The Quad Cities area along the Iowa-Illinois border is among the regions expecting significant ice accumulation by late Saturday.

East Coast Braces for Weekend Precipitation

The storm system is expected to move eastward, bringing a mix of snow and rain to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States. By Sunday afternoon, snow will spread across central Pennsylvania and upstate New York, while rain is forecast to move into Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. Meteorologist Jillian Cross noted, “The sharp transition between snow and rain could lead to highly variable conditions across short distances.”

Residents in the Poconos and Catskills are likely to see the heaviest snow, with accumulations exceeding 6 inches in some locations. By Monday morning, the bulk of the storm is expected to exit the region, leaving lingering rain along the coast and residual snow in northern areas.

Safety Recommendations and Travel Advisories

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the NWS have issued guidelines to help residents prepare for the storm. These include keeping emergency kits stocked with flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food items. Travelers are advised to carry blankets, snow chains, and shovels if venturing into affected areas.

Authorities in the Greater Lake Tahoe region have reminded residents to check local avalanche forecasts, especially for those planning outdoor activities. With winds in some areas gusting as high as 120 mph, “conditions will be life-threatening in some mountain passes,” according to the NWS.

In addition, local governments have deployed snowplows and salt trucks to manage icy roads, but officials are urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel. The NWS continues to monitor the storm and will issue updates as new data becomes available.