Winter Weather Alert: 10 Inches of Snow Looms Over 5 States
Unusual Winter Weather Impacts Multiple U.S. States
While much of the country is experiencing warmer-than-average conditions, including dangerous heatwaves, millions of Americans across five different U.S. states are actually dealing with some severe winter weather. This unusual situation has led to a mix of extreme weather conditions, with some regions facing snowstorms while others deal with heat.
Winter Storm Warnings Issued for Several States
Over the weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings or advisories for parts of five different states: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Alaska. Additionally, Hawaii also faced some unexpected winter weather due to a Kona storm.
Maine and New Hampshire
The NWS has issued a winter storm warning for parts of western Maine and northern New Hampshire. In these areas, 6 to 10 inches of snow are expected, making travel difficult and creating “dangerous driving conditions.”
“A snowstorm will bring plowable snow to the region with a period of moderate travel impacts expected. Periods of moderate snow and low visibility will be the biggest hazards. Periods of moderate and heavy snow will combine with low visibility to create dangerous driving conditions,” the NWS warned.
The warning is in effect from 2 a.m. Sunday through 2 a.m. Monday, as “heavy” snow is expected. Residents in these areas should take precautions to ensure their safety during this time.
New York and Vermont
The NWS has issued a winter weather advisory for parts of New York and Vermont for winter weather impacting the region from early Sunday morning into Monday morning. Total snow accumulations are expected to range between three and six inches, which could create problems for drivers, especially as some of that precipitation could turn to ice throughout Sunday.
“The heaviest snow is expected to fall between 1 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sunday,” the NWS said in its advisory. “Snow may begin to mix with or change to rain at times on Sunday, which may limit accumulation during the daytime.”
The advisory covers the Adirondack region in New York and from the spine of the Green Mountains eastward in Vermont. The advisory begins on 8 p.m. Saturday evening and stretches to 8 a.m. on Monday. “Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute,” the advisory warns.
Hawaii
While you might not think of Hawaii as a state that typically gets winter weather, it does receive snow in the mountains on the Big Island. With a Kona storm moving across the state over the weekend, bringing devastating flooding to the state, those mountains are expected to receive some heavy snow.
“A kona storm is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to the summits beginning this evening and lasting through Sunday afternoon,” the NWS wrote in its winter storm warning on Saturday.
The warning said that “heavy” snow is expected with accumulations up to 10 inches along with winds reaching 10 miles per hour. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility,” the warning continued. Obviously, this could impact anyone who was planning to do hiking or trekking in the area.
Preparing for Winter Weather
For those who find themselves in severe winter weather often and want to make sure to be prepared when it strikes, there are several things you can do to ensure you are both safe and comfortable throughout a winter storm.
Here are some key steps to take:
- Winterize your home: Ensure that your heating system is working properly, and check for any leaks or cracks in windows and doors.
- Create a safety kit: Include essentials such as blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and water. Make sure to have a first aid kit and any necessary medications.
- Plan for emergencies: Know the emergency contacts in your area and have a plan for how to communicate with family members if needed.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather updates and alerts from the NWS or local authorities.
- Avoid unnecessary travel: If possible, stay indoors during severe weather to avoid the risks associated with driving in dangerous conditions.
Above all, it’s best to stay safe and stay out of these dangerous conditions as much as possible. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones during severe winter weather.
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