Winter weather warnings for 7 states as 24 inches of snow to hit

Winter weather warnings and advisories are in place for seven states as a cold front continues to affect the western United States

The West Coast has experienced a chilly week due to the arrival of two storm systems from the Pacific Ocean that have brought snow, freezing rain and cold temperatures. This weekend is unlikely to bring much respite for several states: Washington, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico, where snow will continue to fall.

Washington

Four winter storm warnings are active in Washington, with up to 24 inches of snow expected to fall in Washington Pass and along the Cascade Range through November 18. Elsewhere, between 10 and 13 inches are expected in the Northwest Blue Mountains.

Travel should be delayed unless absolutely necessary, and the NWS says all essential travel should be done with “extreme caution.”

“Consider taking a winter storm kit with you, including things like tire chains, utility cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing,” reads a warning. “Also take water, a first aid kit and anything else that can help you survive if you get stranded.”

Montana

Several winter weather advisories are in place for neighboring Montana, where snow is expected to fall across mountainous areas in the southwest, as well as in the northeastern areas near the Canadian border.

Some 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected to fall in Daniels, McCone, Sheridan and Roosevelt counties, with roads likely to become slippery and dangerous. In the Southwest, higher elevations in Beaverhead, Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson and other surrounding counties are expected to get anywhere between 1 and 4 inches of snow.

Idaho

South Central Idaho will share similar conditions with neighboring counties in Montana, with several advisories in place predicting 1 to 4 inches of snow at lower elevations with locally higher amounts at higher elevations.

A winter storm warning is in place along several roads in the Rocky Mountains: Fourth of July Pass, Dobson Pass and Lookout Pass, with up to 18 inches of snow forecast between Saturday afternoon and late Monday night.

Wyoming

Parts of Teton, Sublette and Lincoln counties are under a winter weather advisory, with total snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches over mountain passes, and up to 8 inches possible in places above 10,000 feet.

Oregon

Oregon has a winter storm warning for the Northern Blue Mountains.

“Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected,” the NWS said, with between 10 and 13 inches expected. “A fast-moving warm front may briefly turn snow to rain along the Washington Cascades and Blue Mountains on Sunday. However, another cold front on Sunday will bring a return of significant snow, with heavy snow spreading to include the Oregon Cascades.”

Utah

Two winter weather advisories are in place in Utah. In the Wasatch Mountains, between 6 and 12 inches of snow is forecast until 3pm on Saturday. In the western Uinta Mountains, between 4 and 8 inches are expected. Motorists are urged to “slow down and use caution” when traveling on roads in the area.

New Mexico

Throughout Sunday, up to 6 inches of snow is forecast for the Sacramento Mountains, especially above 7,500 feet, and the southern Gila Region Highlands and Black Range.

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slippery and dangerous,” the NWS said, with motorists asked to plan for slippery road conditions that could affect the Monday morning commute. Strong winds could also bring down tree branches.