Heavy Snowfall to Blanket Western States: Stay Safe and Plan Ahead

A significant winter storm is on its way, and it's going to be a big one. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for several states, including California, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. This storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, strong winds, and travel disruptions from Saturday night through Sunday, and in some places, even into next week. In California, Yosemite National Park is bracing for up to 8 feet of snow and winds reaching 50 mph. The heaviest snowfall is expected on Tuesday. Meanwhile, in Washington, the Cascades in Whatcom and Skagit Counties are forecasted to receive between 12 and 22 inches of snow from Sunday morning to early Monday. Wyoming and Montana are also in for a rough ride. Areas above 8, 000 feet, including the Salt River, Wyoming Ranges, Absaroka Mountains, and Yellowstone National Park, could see up to 30 inches of snow. The Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains might get up to 40 inches, with winds blowing at 40 to 50 mph, reducing visibility to less than a quarter of a mile. The Wind River Mountains could also get up to 40 inches of snow, but winds there might reach up to 70 mph, especially over the south Pass and Red Canyon on Sunday afternoon into the evening.The Beartooth and Crazy Mountains could see up to 3 feet of snow, mainly on the south and western facing slopes, with 40 mph winds through Sunday until Monday afternoon. The NWS has warned that avalanche danger will continue in these areas. In Idaho, regions like the Big Lost Highlands, Copper Basin, Frank Church Wilderness, Sawtooth, Stanley Basin, and the Sun Valley Region are expected to see between 3 to 6 inches of snow in the valleys and between 8 and 18 inches in areas above 7, 000 feet from early Sunday morning to mid-morning on Monday. The NWS advises those who must travel to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency. They also recommend calling 511 for up-to-date travel information. The NWS for Montana has warned that recreation in the high country will be impacted by heavy accumulating snow and blowing snow. Residents and travelers have been urged to take extra care during morning and evening commutes and to reconsider travel plans in some places. This could be a significant inconvenience, especially with Christmas approaching and many people planning to travel to see family and friends.