Snowy Roads Ahead for 7 States this Weekend

Hey there! If you're planning a trip out west this weekend, you might want to bundle up and pack your patience. A cold front is causing big trouble, with seven states bracing for heavy snowfall. We're talking up to 24 inches in some areas! Washington, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico are all in the forecast's line of fire. In Washington, they're expecting a whopping 24 inches of snow at Washington Pass and along the Cascade Range. That's enough to stop traffic in its tracks, so the National Weather Service (NWS) is urging folks to stay home unless they absolutely have to hit the road. And if you do, bring a winter storm kit with all the essentials like tire chains, booster cables, and warm blankets. Just across the border, Montana is also feeling the chill. Some areas, like Daniels, McCone, Sheridan, and Roosevelt Counties, could see up to 3 inches of snow. That might not sound like a lot, but it's enough to make roads slippery and dangerous. Idaho isn't escaping the winter wonderland either. South Central Idaho is looking at 1 to 4 inches of snow at lower elevations, with even more piling up in the mountains. Wyoming and Utah are also gearing up for some serious snowfall. Wyoming's Teton, Sublette, and Lincoln counties could see up to 8 inches over mountain passes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains might get hit with up to 12 inches, so drivers should take it slow and easy on the roads. It's not all about the mountains, though. Oregon's Northern Blue Mountains are under a winter storm warning, with expectations of 10 to 13 inches of snow. And in New Mexico, up to 6 inches are expected in the Sacramento Mountains. That's enough to make roads and bridges slick, so plan ahead for some slippery commutes. So, if you're heading out this weekend, be prepared, be cautious, and maybe think about ordering in that pizza instead of braving the roads!