Winter storm threatens five states with extreme snowfall of up to 90 centimeters, creating high risk

Severe winter storm with heavy snowfall

Snow accumulation reaching several centimeters

Travel conditions highly dangerous

A powerful winter system has triggered weather alerts in five U.S. states due to the arrival of hazardous conditions.

The National Weather Service warned that storms could produce exceptional snow accumulations and cause severe impacts.

Forecasts also include blizzard conditions, strong winds, and a significant deterioration in travel conditions.

Authorities caution that the situation could become potentially deadly in higher elevations and mountain passes.

Heavy snow and dangerous winds dominate the forecast

Severe winter storm snowfall in the US-Photo: Shutterstock

According to official bulletins, some locations could record up to 90 centimeters of snow before Saturday.

The combination of very heavy snowfall and strong gusts increases the risk of impassable roads.

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Transportation disruptions, power outages, and a heightened risk of avalanches are also expected.

These warnings come at a critical time, just ahead of holiday-season travel.

Washington and Oregon face severe winter storm snowfall

In Washington, the Cascade Mountains are under warnings that include key passes such as Snoqualmie and Stevens.

Snow accumulations of between one and three feet are expected, especially at higher elevations.

Alerts will remain in effect from early Friday morning through Saturday afternoon.

In Oregon, the eastern slopes of the Cascades will also see significant snowfall and slick road conditions.

Idaho and Montana under elevated risk

In Idaho, mountainous regions such as Sawtooth and Sun Valley are preparing for up to two feet of snow.

Wind gusts could reach speeds that further complicate rural travel.

Warnings will remain active through Saturday morning, with travel considered very difficult.

In Montana, mountain passes like Lolo and Lost Trail will face heavy accumulations and avalanche danger.

Wyoming could see the highest totals

Wyoming presents one of the most severe scenarios of the winter system.

The Yellowstone, Teton, and Wind River mountain ranges could accumulate between 60 and more than 90 centimeters of snow.

Wind gusts may exceed 80 kilometers per hour, creating prolonged whiteout conditions.

Authorities recommend avoiding travel through rural areas until conditions improve.

Additional alerts in other regions of the country

Beyond the five states under primary warnings, other regions are also experiencing winter impacts.

In the Mid-Atlantic, parts of Maryland and West Virginia could see snow and strong winds.

In the Great Lakes region, states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are facing slick roads and reduced visibility.

New York and Pennsylvania may receive lake-effect snow accompanied by dangerous gusts.

Preparation and call for caution for the severe winter storm snowfall

The National Weather Service warns that conditions may change rapidly throughout the event.

Storms are expected to persist until Saturday morning in most affected areas.

State authorities recommend avoiding unnecessary travel and staying informed through official channels.

They also urge residents to have emergency supplies ready in case of power outages or temporary isolation, according to reports cited by Newsweek.