The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe winter weather warnings for eight states in the United States this weekend as parts of the northern and central regions brace for snow, ice and dangerously cold conditions.
Which 8 US states will be affected?
- Alaska
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Minnesota
- Wyoming
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
Drivers in these states are urged to slow down, use caution and read local travel advisories before hitting the road.
Alaska: Up to 4 inches of snow is forecast
Alaska, the Kuskokwim Delta coast and Nunivak Island are expected to see snow and strong southeast winds beginning early Sunday morning.
Four inches of snow could accumulate before temperatures rise, bringing a mix of rain and snow by Sunday afternoon, according to forecasters. He also warned that strong winds of 50 miles per hour could reduce visibility to less than half a mile.
The NWS said travel in the area “may be very difficult” during the height of the storm.
Forecast for the Upper Midwest – Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota
Across the Upper Midwest, snow has already begun to fall from northern Iowa to South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota. A weather advisory for these states is in effect until noon Saturday.
The weather agency said snow accumulations are generally between 1 and 3 inches in the region. However, heavier snow is expected in areas likely between Sioux City and Sioux Falls.
Lower visibility and slick roads are likely in parts of northwest Iowa, including Carroll, Denison and Emmetsburg.
Wyoming braces for 3-6 inches of snow
The weather agency said snow accumulations could reach 3 to 6 inches in the northern and Wyoming Black Hills, with gusts up to 50 mph creating blowing snow.
Weather conditions have been flagged as potentially dangerous for driving.
2-8 inches of snow in the cards for Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the NWS has issued a winter weather advisory for Vilas, Ashland and Iron counties from Saturday evening through early Monday. Forecasters are expecting 2 to 8 centimeters of snow in the region, depending on elevation.
Michigan: Heavy snow accumulation likely in the Upper Peninsula
Northern Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is bracing for the heaviest snow accumulation in the state. The NWS said Marquette, Alger, Gogebic and Luce counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see 4 to 10 inches of snow through Monday.
The weather service warned that hazardous conditions could affect commuters on Monday as travel could be difficult or even impossible during periods of heavy snowfall.
Snow showers and strong winds are likely to continue across the Great Lakes region into early next week before tapering off on Monday.
