09 Nov 2022 | 10:24 AM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast over western and northern regions through at least Nov. 11 /update 1
Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of the western US through at least Nov. 11. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
A low pressure system is forecast to bring adverse winter weather across large parts of the western and northern US through at least Nov. 11. The weather system will move across western regions bringing heavy mountain snow Nov. 9 before spreading into the northern plains and Upper Mississippi Valley Nov. 10-11. The system is expected to intensify as it moves eastward and a large swath of wintry precipitation and strong winds could cause blizzard conditions across parts of the northern US. Daily snowfall accumulations of around 30 cm (12 inches) are possible at higher elevations in the intermountain west Nov. 9 and 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) across the northern plains from Montana eastward to Minnesota Nov. 9-11. The heavy snow accompanied by strong winds will likely lead to hazardous driving conditions due to icy roads and reduced visibility.
Government Advisories
As of early Nov. 9, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings for parts of northern South Dakota. Winter storm warnings have been issued over parts of eastern and south-central California, southern and northeastern Nevada, eastern Idaho, western, southwestern, and eastern Montana, central Utah, and northern and central South Dakota. Winter storm watches have been issued across much of North Dakota and northern Minnesota. Winter weather advisories for parts of southern and southeastern Oregon, northern and southern California, northwestern and northeastern Nevada, central and eastern Idaho, eastern Utah, northern Arizona, western, central, northern, and eastern Montana, western, northeastern, and southern Wyoming, western and central Colorado, northern Nebraska, and western, southern, and eastern South Dakota. High wind warnings, watches, and advisories have also been issued across parts of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Snow accumulations are likely across the affected area, especially at higher elevations. Lesser accumulations are possible where sleet and freezing rain mix with the snow, and precipitation are less intense. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts will likely lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow in some areas. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Dangerous and challenging driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roads in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. If routing shipments by truck through the affected area, plan accordingly for delivery delays. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
