Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued across six states as a broad system moves in Monday, bringing heavy snow, ice accumulation, and strong winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that travel could become “nearly impossible” in some locations as conditions worsen.
West Virginia, Alaska, Virginia, Wyoming, Indiana, and Ohio are all expected to experience disruptive winter weather. Drivers in affected areas have been urged to slow down, use caution, and monitor local forecasts until conditions improve. Ice buildup and blowing snow are forecast to increase the risk of hazardous roads and potential power outages.
Appalachia and the Midwest brace for ice, snow, and hazardous commutes
In West Virginia, western Greenbrier County is expected to receive up to 1 inch of snow by Monday, along with a quarter inch of ice by Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Meanwhile, northwest Pocahontas County, including Snowshoe, and southeast Randolph County, including Harman, could see between 1 and 3 inches of snow, along with up to three-tenths of an inch of ice by Tuesday morning. Eastern Preston and eastern Tucker counties may get up to 4 inches of snow and ice throughout Monday. The NWS has warned that ice accumulation could lead to power outages and tree damage, and slippery roads could disrupt both morning and evening commutes.
In Virginia, the central Blue Ridge, along with Augusta and Rockingham counties, is expected to experience ice, freezing rain, and up to 2 inches of snow by Tuesday morning. Roads, particularly along higher elevations, may become slippery and hazardous during Monday’s commute.
Wyoming’s higher elevations are forecast to see more significant snowfall. The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges could receive between 6 and 10 inches of snow. The north Laramie Range may see 5 to 8 inches, with locally higher totals along the peaks. The south Laramie Range, including Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie, could receive up to 4 inches by Tuesday afternoon.
In Ohio, parts of central, south central, southwest, and west central regions could see up to 2 inches of snow by Monday morning. East central and southeast Indiana are forecast to receive similar amounts, which may leave roads, bridges, and overpasses slick and hazardous.
Alaska faces heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerous cold
In Alaska, several communities are under winter storm warnings. Petersburg Borough is forecast to receive between 5 and 8 inches of snow by Monday morning, with the heaviest snowfall expected overnight Sunday, according to the NWS. Another winter system is expected Tuesday, bringing additional heavy snow from Frederick Sound northward to the Icy Strait corridor.
Brevig Mission is forecast to experience gusty winds reaching 45 mph through Monday. Blowing snow may reduce visibility to half a mile or less. Temperatures are expected to drop to around -35°F, creating conditions where frostbite on exposed skin could occur within 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.
Prince of Wales Island and the city and borough of Wrangell could receive up to 4 inches of snow by Monday morning, making travel hazardous. The city and borough of Sitka, western Kupreanof Island, and Kuiu Island may see up to 12 inches of snow and winds reaching 35 mph through Tuesday night. Officials across the affected states continue to advise residents to monitor forecasts closely as the system moves through, with widespread travel disruptions anticipated.
