Massive Winter Storm Affects Eastern and Western U.S.

The eastern United States is currently grappling with a severe weather system that is bringing significant rainfall and snow across various regions. As of Friday morning, nearly 10 million people were subject to winter storm warnings or advisories, impacting parts of New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, western Virginia, western North Carolina, and Kentucky. The storm is expected to deliver up to a foot of snow in elevated areas.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated that regions in Washington, Idaho, and Montana are also on alert for heavy snow through Sunday. This weather phenomenon marks the first significant snowfall of the season over the central and northern Appalachians. The storm’s trajectory indicates light snow may extend as far south as North Carolina.

Additionally, a «Bomb Cyclone» previously left a trail of destruction, including two fatalities. In its aftermath, the NWS warned of flooding, rock slides, debris flows, and ongoing power outages. Freeze watches were issued in several areas through Friday and Saturday as temperatures plummeted from Wednesday’s highs in the 60s and 70s to Thursday’s 40s and 50s in the Northeast.

Meanwhile, the western United States is experiencing severe weather conditions as well. California is bracing for substantial snowfalls, with possible accumulations reaching up to 4 feet and winds gusting up to 50 mph in areas such as the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park. These conditions are expected to persist from Friday afternoon through Tuesday, making travel nearly impossible, according to the NWS.

Strong winds are also anticipated across many states over the weekend. Grayson County in Virginia, as well as Avery, Madison, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties in South Carolina, are under advisories for winds reaching 50 mph. Similarly, winds could gust up to 40 mph in parts of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

In Maryland, forecasts of heavy snow and winds as strong as 45 mph have led to warnings of whiteout conditions, making travel dangerous and potentially life-threatening. In northeastern Montana, a wintry mix transitioning into snow by Saturday evening is expected, with snow accumulations ranging between 2 and 5 inches and minor ice buildup.

The National Weather Service recommends those who must travel to carry extra flashlights, food, and water in their vehicles. The agency also advises caution on potentially icy surfaces such as stairs, sidewalks, and driveways.

Throughout the affected areas, alerts vary between winter storm warnings and weather advisories, determined by the severity of expected snow, ice, and wind conditions. More significant hazards encompass accumulations of five inches or more of snow within a 12-hour timeframe, or severe combinations of snow, ice, and wind with the potential to damage infrastructure.