Residents in several states are affected by winter weather and are being warned of dangers when traveling

On By Littum

Winter storm warnings have been issued for several states at the end of the week.

The warnings come just days after an early season winter storm hit the West. It brought massive amounts of snow to Colorado and New Mexico, resulting in more than 100 pronghorn deaths on icy roads. One town in Colorado received nearly 55 inches of snow, according to the report Denver Gazette. The bad weather also left tens of thousands of people without power.

Today, a winter storm warning is expected to remain in effect in Washington state’s western Okanogan County until mid-afternoon with heavy snow and accumulations of up to five inches over Washington Pass.

For the Western Slopes and North Central Cascades and Passes, heavy snow is expected at or above elevations greater than 4,000 feet, with additional snow accumulations between four and eight inches expected.

“Travel could be very difficult, including SR 20 and Washington Pass. Gusts could cause tree branches to fall,” the National Weather Service said warned.

Down the West Coast, Californians have also been dealing with wintry conditions, and an advisory was in place through Friday night in the central region of the state. Moderate to locally heavy snowfall is expected in areas around the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The agency said travel can be difficult.

“Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and be careful while driving,” it said. “If you’re going outside, watch your first few steps on stairs, sidewalks and driveways. These surfaces can be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of falling and injury.”

And a blizzard warning is in effect through early Friday in southwest Alaksa, with blowing snow causing whiteout conditions at times for areas west of the Kuskokwim River and Kuskokwim Delta North residents.

A person clears snow from a car in Englewood, Colorado, last week. The state had its first snowstorm of the season, and more are expected this week.
A person clears snow from a car in Englewood, Colorado, last week. The state had its first snowstorm of the season, and more are expected this week. ((AP Photo/David Zalubowski))

Snowfall between four and eight inches and high winds will reduce visibility in the area.

The Great Basin and Rockies will receive a mix of precipitation Thursday and Friday.

On the east coast will be an area of ​​low pressure bringing a potential winter mix to Maine on Friday.

But most of the country will experience seasonally above-average temperatures Thursday and Friday.

Next week, the AccuWeather forecasters said the great plains will see another bout of heavy rain and snow for the first time this season.

The US can expect less snow this winter, largely due to a weak La Niña climate pattern. Climate change has contributed to winter becoming the fastest warming in many regions.