Winter weather warnings for 9 states as snow hits the US

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for nine states, with snow expected across much of the Southeast and parts of the Northwest and Midwest.

It comes amid a cold front that is bringing freezing temperatures and dangerous conditions to millions of people across the U.S. this month.

Why it matters

Snow can impact travel and create dangerous driving conditions, while winter storms can cause power outages. In addition, exposure to freezing wind can be life-threatening.

What you should know

At the time of writing, storm warnings were active in Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alaska, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Montana and Alabama.

A storm warning indicates that a significant winter weather event involving snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow, or a combination of these hazards, will occur, according to the NWS.

Residents of affected regions are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution when travel is unavoidable. It is recommended to carry winter emergency kits in vehicles, which should include flashlights, food and blankets. Additionally, individuals should check local weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out to stay informed and ensure their safety.

Michigan

A winter storm warning remains in effect for parts of Michigan, including areas of the west and central, with snow accumulations between 3 and 8 inches expected. Wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour will result in whiteout conditions, significantly reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile. Travel is expected to be treacherous and the storm is expected to last until Thursday morning.

Western Chippewa and Mackinac counties in particular are forecast to see up to 8 inches of snow, with dangerous conditions expected to peak Wednesday evening. Additionally, Leelanau, Benzie and Manistee counties are expecting snowfall amounts between 4 and 6 inches along with gusty winds that will create life-threatening travel conditions.

North Carolina

In central and eastern North Carolina, a winter storm warning is in effect until 7 a.m. ET for the Sandhills and Coastal Plain regions. Additional inches of snow are expected, resulting in slick and dangerous road conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Commuters are strongly advised to postpone travel if possible or exercise extreme caution when driving.

For northeastern counties, including Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck, the winter storm warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday. Snowfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected in these areas, resulting in slick roads and potentially hazardous driving conditions for residents heading to work or school.

Along the southeast coast, coastal Pender and New Hanover counties, including Wilmington, are bracing for 3 to 5 inches of snow. Conditions are expected to worsen overnight with slight improvement expected by late Wednesday morning.

South Carolina

Heavy snow and possible sleet are expected in eastern South Carolina, including Charleston and surrounding coastal areas. Accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are expected, with some localized areas possibly experiencing higher totals. Driving conditions are extremely dangerous, particularly on suspension bridges where falling ice could pose additional risk to commuters.

Northeast counties, including Marlboro and Dillon, are expected to see snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches through Wednesday morning. Residents are urged to prepare for icy roads and the possibility of power outages due to winter weather.

Along the coast, Georgetown and Horry counties, including Myrtle Beach, will see snow totals between 3 and 5 inches. Travel is expected to become treacherous overnight and dangerous conditions will continue into Wednesday.

Alaska

The southern Seward Peninsula and upper Kobuk Valleys in Alaska will experience heavy snowfall, reaching up to 14 inches in some areas. Gusty winds further complicate visibility and make travel almost impossible. The winter storm warning remains in effect until Wednesday evening and severe conditions are expected to continue.

Florida

In northeast Florida, Suwannee, Baker and Nassau counties are under a winter storm warning until 1 p.m. Wednesday. These areas are expected to receive up to 5 centimeters of snow and sleet, as well as ice accumulations of up to 60 centimeters. Roads are expected to become slippery, particularly during the commute to work on Wednesday morning, which could lead to dangerous driving conditions.

Heavy mixed precipitation is forecast in the Big Bend and Panhandle regions, including Tallahassee and Gadsden County. Snow accumulations are expected to be less than an inch in some areas up to 4 inches near the Flint River Valley. The ice formation could lead to power outages and travel is strongly discouraged due to the dangerous conditions.

Virginia

Heavy snowfall totaling 3 to 5 inches is expected in Norfolk, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach through Wednesday afternoon. Local bay effect snow showers may increase accumulations. The authorities advise caution for morning commuters.

Georgia

South Georgia, including Bryan and Liberty Counties, is experiencing a mix of snow and sleet. Accumulations of up to 10cm combined with freezing rain have created treacherous conditions on roads and bridges. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors unless travel is essential to avoid dangerous conditions.

Winter storm warnings are also in effect for areas near Albany and Valdosta. Similar hazards of ice formation and hazardous road conditions are expected to occur in these regions, making travel risky.

In central and northern Georgia, cities like Atlanta, Athens and Macon are facing up to two inches of additional snow by Wednesday morning. Icy conditions on roads, bridges and overpasses are likely to disrupt the morning commute, and local authorities are advising people to postpone travel whenever possible to ensure safety.

Montana

In stark contrast to the southeastern states are parts of central Montana, including Basin and Fergus counties, experience significantly heavier snowfall. The Bears Paw Mountains could see up to 15 inches of snow through Wednesday night, with wind gusts of up to 50 mph causing widespread snowdrifts and reduced visibility.

Alabama

Parts of southeast Alabama will see between 4 and 6 inches of snow Wednesday morning, with residents warned of dangerous travel conditions. Heavy snow can also cause sporadic power outages, according to the NWS.

What happens next

The duration of the winter storm and extreme cold warnings varies from state to state. Please check with the NWS. Newsweek will keep you updated.