On Christmas Day, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather alerts for 13 states as mixed winter conditions, including heavy snow, blowing winds, freezing rain and slick roads, continue to impact large swaths of US.
The alerts range from winter storm warnings in regions expecting significant snowfall to winter weather advisories in areas forecast to see lighter but still hazardous conditions, Newsweek reported.
Which regions have received advisories?
In Alaska, winter weather advisories cover parts of the central Arctic Plains, central Beaufort Sea Coast and central Brooks Range through Thursday afternoon, with light snow and gusty winds, up to 30 mph, expected to produce snow drifts and reduced visibility. Blizzard warnings are also active along sections of the Beaufort Sea Coast and the Pribilof Islands, further underscoring the challenging conditions in the far north.
Central and Northern California are under winter storm warnings as a powerful storm system continues to drop heavy snow in mountainous regions. Central California’s high terrain could see up to 5 feet of snow, while areas like Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks could experience even deeper snow. Strong gusts of 45–60 mph will compound travel difficulties, leading to life-threatening whiteout conditions at times.
Which other regions are likely to be impacted?
Across the Intermountain West, Idaho is also facing winter storm warnings. The Sun Valley region and surrounding highlands are forecast to receive heavy snow, with certain peaks potentially seeing 2–3 feet of accumulation. Winds there may reach up to 35 mph, increasing the risk of drifting snow and hazardous travel.
Further east and north, winter weather advisories extend across Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These advisories mainly signal lighter snowfall, freezing drizzle, sleet and ice accumulations. While not as severe as storm warnings, these conditions can still make road travel dangerous, particularly on untreated surfaces, bridges and overpasses.
Officials emphasise that even when snowfall totals are not extreme, cold temperatures and mixed precipitation (such as freezing rain and sleet) can quickly create treacherous driving conditions. Motorists are urged to check local forecasts, carry emergency supplies, and exercise caution on the roads throughout the holiday period.