Winter continues to pummel the western U.S. today, the result of a Pacific storm moving inland across the region.
The leading edge of this storm has shifted into the Rockies, bringing heavy snow from Idaho to Nebraska, as well as along the mountain peaks. Several inches of fresh accumulation is expected to pile up along the Interstate 80 corridor in Wyoming and Nebraska, as well as along the spine of the Colorado Rockies and Utah Wasatch. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in place from northeastern Arizona to Idaho and Wyoming, as well as across western Colorado, much of Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa.
The tail end of the storm is bringing its own share of trouble to Nevada and California, with snow piling up across the Great Basin and northern Sierra, as well as the higher terrain of southern California. Rain has been falling across much of urban southern California.
In addition to the precipitation, gusty winds are expected across the region as well. High Wind Warnings and Advisories are also sprinkled throughout the western states. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are likely, while localized wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph will be possible.
As this storm system moves into the Plains and Midwest on Friday into Saturday, a streak of snow is expected to move across portions of South Dakota and Nebraska into the Lower Great Lakes. The highest snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches will fall over portions of northern Nebraska and southwestern South Dakota, while lighter snow amounts of one to 4 inches will spread across Iowa into the lower Great Lakes. This includes cities like Chicago and Milwaukee where a slushy inch or two will be possible. Farther east, snow accumulations of an inch or less will be possible for cities such as Detroit and Cleveland.
It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid travelling in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.
