Snow and wind forecast for the PNW, Rockies
Arctic air and snow loom in the northwest
A major cold and stormy weather outbreak could disrupt travel at higher elevations in the northwestern United States next week.
Accuweather, Accuweather
Weather updates for Tuesday: A huge winter storm is moving across the country, bringing snow, ice and blizzards
Much of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies began the week under winter storm watches and warnings, with snow expected to fall Monday and move toward the Midwest and Northeast by midweek.
With the exception of Hawaii, most of the United States got a break from the winter weather over the weekend with soaring temperatures and blue skies. But those clear skies will be replaced by wintry weather again this week, with AccuWeather saying a “major outbreak of Arctic air” is in store for the West. Overall, 26 states are expected to see snowfall by Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service.
“The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will likely result in widespread hazardous travel and impact infrastructure,” the weather service said. “Record lows and potentially dangerous chills.”
Here’s what to know about Monday’s weather and looking forward to the rest of the week:
What is wind chill? Understand the wind chill index and how to calculate it
What is thundersnow and how does it form? Explain how a thunderstorm can produce snow
Winter Storm Warnings for the Pacific Northwest, Rockies
Much of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains were under a winter storm warning or watch Monday morning, with some areas beginning to see snowfall Sunday night. In many areas, warnings remained in effect until Wednesday or Thursday.
A winter storm watch, which is more severe than a winter storm watch or advisory, has been issued for parts of the following states:
- Washington.
- Oregon.
- California.
- Nevada.
- Idaho.
- Utah.
- Wyoming.
- Montana.
- nebraska.
Nearly all of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are expected to see snow or rain on Monday. By Monday, states could have areas with snow accumulations of more than 30 inches and will see temperatures below the historical average.
Below are the forecasts for these countries:
- The Washington mountains are expected to see “large amounts of snow,” as is the case in the entire state Temperature forecast It hovers in the 40s during the day and reaches below freezing at night.
- Mountain passes in Oregon are expected to see heavy snow.
- All western states of Idaho and Wyoming expect to see snow.
- Roads across Montana are expected to be hazardous with wind gusts up to 50 mph. The Swan Range, Flathead Range, and Southern Glacier Park are also found in the state Avalanche warnings.
“Temperature readings could drop quickly, likely dropping between 20-40 degrees over a 24-hour period in most locations,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.
By Monday night, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Colorado are expected to see snow.
Weather warnings and watches in the United States
Strong winds may cause power outages
In addition to the heavy snow, strong winds in the West and later in the Midwest could create blizzard conditions, increasing the risk of power outages and tree damage, the weather service said.
“Confidence is high that this winter storm will cause severe disruption to travel, ranching and recreation areas.” The weather service said.
A blizzard warning has been issued for Wyoming
The Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for parts of southern Wyoming starting Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST, warning of up to 20 inches of snow accumulation and wind gusts of up to 60 mph on Tuesday. The weather service warns that travel should be limited to emergency situations only.
Here’s where the weather service has issued a blizzard warning for Wyoming, set to end at 5 a.m. EST on Thursday:
- Ferris / Seminoy / Shirley Mountains.
- Shirley Basin.
- Central Carbon District
- The foothills of the northern snowy mountain range.
Here are the parts of Wyoming where the blizzard warning is set to expire at 11 PM GMT on Wednesday:
- Rock Springs.
- Green river.
- Flaming stuffy.
- East Sweetwater County.
Winter storm tracking
Temperatures in the South are rising, and record levels are possible
While most of the West, Midwest and Northeast will be dealing with wintry conditions, the temperature will warm up in the South, where temperatures will be in the upper 70s from the Gulf Coast to the mid-Atlantic. NWS said The region could set several record highs.
Here are some of the highs for Monday:
- Orlando, Florida: 84 degrees.
- Dallas: 81 degrees.
- New Orleans: 75 degrees.
- Atlanta: 72 degrees.
National weather radar
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.
