Winter weather warnings in 5 states as a foot of snow will fall

What’s new

As winter deepens, residents in Washington, Montana, Alaska, Idaho and Michigan are facing a deluge of winter weather warnings and advisories, with up to a foot of snow forecast in Montana.

Why it matters

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for these states and advised residents to prepare for dangerous conditions in the coming days.

What you should know

Washington

Warnings and advisories are in effect throughout the state. Heavy mixed precipitation is forecast with up to 3 inches of additional snow and ice accumulations between 0.10 and 0.30 inches and wind gusts up to 45 mph at Stevens Pass, Holden Village and Stehekin.

The NWS warns of dangerous travel conditions due to heavy snow and icy weather

Heavy ice buildup on power lines and tree branches can cause power outages, while strong winds can also cause tree damage. The warning is in effect until 4 a.m. PST on Wednesday, and the warning is in effect until 4 p.m. PST on Wednesday.

Montana

Heavy snow is expected with 5 to 10 inches of snow above 5,000 feet including Marias Pass, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Polebridge, Bad Rock Canyon and Essex. There is a 30 percent chance of up to 18 inches of snow falling, with total snow accumulations 1 to 4 inches below 5,000 feet and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

The NWS warns that visibility could drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and drifting snow. The strong winds and the weight of snow on tree branches can bring down power lines and cause sporadic power outages.

Intermittent whiteout conditions are expected throughout Marias Pass, making travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

Plan for slippery road conditions on several roads including Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth. Also Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass and Lolo Pass and I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan and Evaro Hill.

The East Glacier Park Region Zone can expect up to a foot of snow and winds up to 85 miles per hour, causing blowing and blowing snow. The journey can be very difficult and some vehicles require snow chains. Anyone traveling in the backcountry should make sure they are prepared for dangerous conditions.

The warning is in effect until midnight MST Wednesday and the advisory is in effect until 5 a.m. MST Thursday.

Alaska

From Tuesday night into Wednesday, low pressure will move east-northeast through Dixon Entrance, bringing a period of snow and freezing rain to the far southern Panhandle.

The freezing point will rise by Wednesday, allowing for rain as the system moves out. There will be lower snowfall amounts as the system is now expected to move through more quickly. An advisory is valid until Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. AKST.

Idaho

Snow is expected above 4,000 feet in Idaho. The probability of minor to moderate impacts is 90 percent for snow depths of approximately 1 to 3 inches and 40 percent for snow depths of 3 to 6 inches. Winds of up to 45 mph are forecast on U.S. Highway 12 from Powell to Lolo Pass, Dixie and Elk City, and the northern Clearwater Mountains. An alert is in effect until 10 a.m. PST Wednesday.

Michigan

Lake effect snow is expected in Gogebic, Northern Houghton, Ontonagon, Alger, Luce and Northern Schoolcraft Counties.

Overall snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches are expected, with the exception of 2 inches or less along the Lake Superior shoreline and far eastern Gogebic County/far southern Ontonagon County. Isolated snow amounts of up to 7 inches are possible near the Porkies.

An alert is in effect from 1:00 a.m. EST/Midnight CST until 7:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. CST Wednesday.

What people say

Authorities in these states stress the importance of preparation. Residents are encouraged to stock up on essentials such as food, water and heating needs. Drivers should ensure their vehicles are winterized and have emergency equipment ready.

What happens next

As conditions continue to evolve, residents are urged to stay informed of local and NWS updates and heed any warnings from authorities.