Blizzard forecast puts many in the East under winter weather watches

On By Littum

game

Millions in the eastern United States and the Great Lakes region will get their first real taste of winter weather Thursday with a storm that will bring rain and up to a foot of snow to higher elevations. Light snow could even reach as far south as North Carolina, forecasters said.

More than 23 million people are under a winter weather advisory, most in the eastern part of the country, including parts of New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, West Virginia, western North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. Another cluster of advisories was in place Thursday in northern parts of Washington, Idaho and Montana, where heavy snow is possible through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

First snow? When does the first snow fall?

Winter storm warnings and freeze watches were also in effect in some areas through Friday and Saturday. For many in the Northeast, daily high temperatures dropped from Wednesday in the 60s and 70s to Thursday in the 40s and 50s.

Snowfall between 3 and 4 inches is possible for parts of eastern Wisconsin with wind gusts up to 40 mph, the weather service said. Separate winter storm systems are also likely to bring at least 6 inches to northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New York and up to a foot in the mountains of West Virginia, Maryland and southwestern Pennsylvania.

It will be the first significant snow of the season over the central and northern Appalachians.

Afraid of hypothermia, icy roads? How to stay safe during snowstorms.

Meanwhile, a “bomb cyclone” pounding Northern California and the Pacific Northwest with heavy rain and strong winds has already been blamed for two deaths and is likely to fuel flooding, rockslides, debris flows and more power outages, the National Weather Service warned Thursday.

Thursday snow forecast card

Warning vs. guard vs. Advisory: What do they mean?

The National Weather Service issues winter weather advisories, watches and warnings when snow and ice threaten your area. Here’s what they all mean:

  • ONE winter weather advice issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet or a combination of these wintry elements is expected, but conditions should not be dangerous enough to meet the warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving and possible travel difficulties. Be careful when driving.
  • ONE winter storm watch issued when there is potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. This does not mean that significant and dangerous winter weather will occur – it only means that it is possible.
  • ONE winter storm warning is issued for a significant winter weather event, including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow or a combination of these hazards. Travel becomes difficult or impossible in some situations. Postpone your travel plans until conditions improve.

Starring: John Bacon, USA TODAY