Heavy Snow and Strong Winds: A Challenging Christmas for Many
A major winter storm is set to bring heavy snow and strong winds to several states, making travel difficult and potentially dangerous. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings, urging people to be cautious.
California Braces for Heavy Snowfall
California is expected to be one of the hardest-hit states. Parts of central California and Yosemite National Park could see between 4 and 8 feet of snow, with winds reaching 60 mph. This could create whiteout conditions, making travel very dangerous. The NWS warns that these conditions could last until Friday night.
Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Mono County
- Greater Lake Tahoe Area: Up to 2 feet of snow is expected, with up to 5 feet above 5,000 feet.
- Mono County: Up to 5 feet of snow above 8,000 feet.
Winds could reach 50 mph, and even higher along the top ridges. The NWS advises that the strong winds and heavy snow could down power lines, causing power outages.
Maine and New Hampshire
Maine and New Hampshire are also expected to see significant snowfall. Parts of these states could get up to 14 inches of snow by Wednesday afternoon. The NWS warns that this could lead to extremely dangerous travel conditions, affecting both commutes and holiday travel.
Idaho's Snowy Forecast
In Idaho, the Big Lost Highlands, Copper Basin, and the Sun Valley Region are forecast to get between 5 inches and 2 feet of snow in areas above 6,500 feet. Winds could gust up to 35 mph, making travel difficult.
Alaska's Heavy Snowfall
Alaska is also expected to see heavy snowfall. The Baldwin Peninsula, Kivalina, and other areas could get between 1 and 6 inches of snow, with winds reaching 35 mph. Fairbanks and other areas could see up to 14 inches of snow until Thursday morning.
NWS Advisories
The NWS is urging people to be prepared if they must travel. They advise keeping a flashlight, food, and water in vehicles in case of emergencies. They also recommend calling 511 for the latest road conditions before setting off.
