A severe winter storm is unleashing hazardous conditions across the United States, prompting urgent warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS). Multiple states are experiencing dangerously high winds and heavy snowfall, with travel becoming increasingly perilous. The storm is progressing from west to east, impacting regions from Alaska to the Midwest.
States under winter storm warnings include Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The NWS has highlighted significant snowfall expected in areas like northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, advising extreme caution for drivers due to slippery road conditions. In Iowa, warnings are in effect until early Sunday morning, with heavy snow and treacherous travel anticipated in Floyd, Chickasaw, and Fayette Counties, as well as central Iowa cities. Similar hazardous travel conditions are forecast for parts of Illinois.
Colorado’s mountain regions, specifically the Elkhead and Park Mountains, are expecting substantial snowfall and strong winds, making travel extremely difficult, potentially impossible, throughout the day and into early Sunday. Alaska is confronting some of the most severe impacts, with warnings in place from Sunday morning through Monday night. Areas like Hyder could see up to 20 inches of snow accompanied by fierce winds. Other Alaskan locations, including Skagway and Haines Borough, are bracing for 12 to 18 inches of snow and winds up to 50 mph. Critically, wind chills near White Pass could plummet to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, presenting a severe frostbite risk.
Wyoming’s Sierra Madre and Snowy Range are also under advisories, anticipating 5 to 10 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 65 mph. Reduced visibility and blowing snow pose extreme dangers, with unprepared individuals facing life-threatening cold. Hikers and snowmobilers are particularly vulnerable to rapid hypothermia and frostbite. The NWS strongly advises avoiding non-essential travel and carrying emergency kits, including food, water, flashlights, and warm clothing, for those who must travel.