Winter weather warnings for 9 states with nearly 3 feet of snow to hit

Bitter conditions continue in a number of states as a cold front continues its path across the United States, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue several winter weather advisories and warnings.

Millions of Americans in nine states are expected to be affected by severe weather throughout Wednesday, with up to 32 inches of snow falling in some areas. Poor driving conditions are expected in areas under warning, with downed tree limbs and power outages possible for some parts.

North Dakota

Almost all of North Dakota is currently covered by either a winter storm warning or winter weather advisory, with wind gusts of up to 50 mph expected in higher elevations in northern and central North Dakota until 8 p.m. 18.00 Wednesday.

More from the Newsweek Vault: 5 Steps to Building an Emergency Fund Today

Warnings also warn of high winds and several inches of snow, with 2 to 5 inches expected in Divide, Mountrail and Williams counties and up to 8 inches in Benson, Cavalier, Ramsey and Towner counties.

“Travel will be very difficult,” the NWS warns. “Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will affect commutes Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Gusty winds may bring down branches.”

South Dakota

Neighboring South Dakota will also be affected by snow. Clark, Day, Marshall and Roberts counties can expect anywhere from 1 to 7 inches of snow throughout Wednesday. Kingsbury, Lake and Miner counties are expected to receive up to 4 inches of snow between now and 10 p.m. 18 local time.

More from the Newsweek Vault: Online banks vs. Traditional Banks: Learn the Differences

California

Northern California is also currently under warnings and advisories. A warning is currently active for Trinity County, where 50 mph winds and 8 inches of snow are possible. The NWS warns that these strong winds could cause “extensive damage” to trees and power lines in the area.

Travel is expected to be difficult. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the NWS advises.

More from the Newsweek Vault: What is an emergency fund?

Oregon

Several winter storm warnings are currently active throughout the Oregon Cascades and Klamath, Jackson and Douglas counties, where up to 32 inches — nearly 3 feet — of snow is possible with winds as high as 75 mph.

The NWS warns: “People should postpone all travel if possible. If absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of space between you and the motorist in front of you and give extra time to reach your destination Avoid sudden braking or acceleration and be especially careful on hills or bends Make sure your car is winter-ready and in good condition.

Washington

Multiple warnings and advisories are currently in effect in Washington, with most of the western and central counties covered. The highest snow accumulations are expected in the eastern Cascades, with up to 16 inches forecast through 10 p.m. 10 Wednesday morning.

Elsewhere, Okanogan County and Chelan County could get up to 12 inches of snow throughout this morning and into the afternoon until 8 p.m. 4 p.m.

Montana

While Montana is expected to see plenty of snowfall throughout Wednesday, only winter weather advisories are currently active there, especially in the western part of the Treasure State. Snowfall will be relatively light in Daniels, Dawson, Western Roosevelt and Wibaux counties, where an inch is forecast. Elsewhere, especially higher elevations in the Sapphire Mountains, up to 10 inches could fall throughout Wednesday morning.

Minnesota

Further east in Minnesota, strong winds and snow are forecast for the northwestern part of the state. Across the Red River Valley and surrounding areas, up to 5 inches of snow is forecast, combined with wind gusts up to 45 mph. Lesser amounts are expected in Douglas, Pope, Traverse and Stevens counties, but winds are expected to remain high.

Alaska

Blizzards are expected in Kivalina and Red Dog Dock, as well as on the Baldwin Peninsula, Shishmaref and the Bering Strait coast until 15 Wednesday with total snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches and wind gusts as high as 65 mph.

Idaho

A winter storm warning is currently active in Idaho along with several winter weather advisories. The warning covers the Sawtooth/Stanley Basin as well as the Sun Valley Region, Big Lost Highlands and Copper Basin and lasts from 5 in the morning Wednesday to 05.00 on Fridays. Up to 2 feet is expected to fall at elevations higher than 8,000 feet. Strong winds could also lead to blowing and drifting snow, the NWS warned.

Advisories are in place from the central regions up to the Canadian border. Across these parts, up to 6 inches is expected in lower areas, while as much as 12 inches could fall in more mountainous parts.