One-Two Punch Of Snow And Ice Hits Northern Tier

Two low pressure systems will bring late season snow and ice to the northern states over the next few days.

A disturbance moving across the northwestern U.S. will bring snowfall to the Cascades today, with total snowfall amounts ranging between 8-to-14 inches, creating slippery road conditions over mountain passes.

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings over the Cascades and into the northern Sierra Nevada from northern Washington down through northern California. Moderate to briefly heavy snowfall will create low visibility conditions with gusty winds, prompting unsafe driving conditions.

In the Sierra Nevada, snow accumulation is expected to range slightly lower than that of the Cascades, ranging between 4-to-10 inches. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall are still possible with gusty winds, creating equally dangerous driving conditions over the mountain range.

As this moisture moves eastward, Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings have also been issued over the northern half of the Rockies, encompassing much of western Montana, central Idaho, western and central Wyoming, and northeastern Utah. Snow should begin accumulating this morning and afternoon in these areas and are expected to continue through early Friday.

The Rockies should expect some larger snow accumulation totals as well, between 3-to-10 inches total. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall are possible at times, with wind gusts and decreasing visibility and making mountain passes dangerous to drive through.

Meanwhile, a second low pressure system impacts the Midwest today and tonight, with heavy snow and ice falling across the northern side of the disturbance. The eastern Dakotas into northern Minnesota can expect multiple rounds of wet snow or a mix of rain and snow. Freezing rain will also be a concern for southern Minnesota, much of Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and northern parts of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Northern New England will also get some snow and ice tonight.

The system in the Northwest will bring more snow and ice to the same parts of the north-central and northeastern U.S. late Friday through Saturday. Combined snow and ice totals will be highest from the Dakotas to Michigan.

Winter Storm Warnings and Watches, Winter Weather Advisories, and Ice Storm Warnings stretch from eastern Montana and the Dakotas through Wisconsin and northern and central Michigan. The two storm systems combined could produce 8-to-16 inches of snow in the Dakotas and northern Minnesota, while ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more runs from South Dakota and southern Minnesota into Wisconsin and Michigan. Locally higher ice accumulations of a half-inch or more are possible in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan through Saturday.

Northern New England also has Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings for up to a quarter inch of ice, with several inches of snow possible in northern Maine.

In the event of possible impacted driving conditions, it is important to stay prepared and informed. You can better prepare yourself by having a winter weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, non-perishable food items, and extra layers. Additionally, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on upcoming winter weather.