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Winter Storm Warning for Five States as Drivers Alerted About Heavy Snow.
Residents and drivers across a swathe of the country have been warned to brace for fierce winter storms that may make travel “impossible” due to heavy snow.
Officials at the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued a series of “winter storm warnings” that cover areas across the five states of Montana, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Alaska. Accumulations of up to 12 inches of snow are forecast in some parts, while drivers in other areas have been warned to beware of treacherous “slippery road conditions.”
The news comes amid a miserable winter that has seen a string of similar warnings or advisories issued in recent weeks. Storms have already brought whiteout conditions and power outages to the East Coast, while Thanksgiving was hit as snow storms affected thousands of people who were traveling home for the holiday. And the latest set of warnings, published on the NWS website on Sunday night, affects the five states on Monday, with some of the warnings due to remain in place until Wednesday.
The first winter storm warning will affect the Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine in Montana. “Heavy snow expected,” the NWS said. “Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches in the Bears Paw Mountains and Rocky Boy area, with up to 2 inches elsewhere… Plan on slippery road conditions. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.” The warning will remain in place until 11 a.m. Monday.
Minnesota is set to see some of the worst of the storm. One NWS warning, which will remain in effect until noon on Monday, covers the Southern Cook and Southern Lake Counties. That includes the cities of Silver Bay, Two Harbors and Grand Marais, as well as the tribal lands of the Grand Portage Reservation. “Heavy snow” is forecast, and the NWS warning added: “Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 11 inches. Greatest additional snow amounts will be between Grand Marais and Grand Portage where an additional 4 to 11 inches is possible.”
Another winter storm warning covers parts of Minnesota until 6 a.m. on Monday. The Koochiching and North St. Louis Counties are affected by the alert, which includes the tribal lands of the Bois Forte Band. According to the NWS, residents and drivers should plan for: “Heavy mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze… Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.”
Northern Cook and Lake County are also covered by the warning, although those areas may see more snow, with up to 4 inches of accumulation.
South Dakota and Wyoming are also affected by poor weather. A winter storm warning that will be in place from 2 a.m. Monday until 5 a.m. on Wednesday covers the Black Hills in South Dakota, which extend into Wyoming. A number of cities will be affected, but higher elevations will see the worst of the snow. “Travel could be very difficult,” the NWS says. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.”
The final warning issued by NWS covers part of Alaska across the Interior Seward Peninsula and Middle Yukon Valley.
“Heavy snow expected,” NWS forecasters said. “Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. The heaviest amounts will be in the Nulato Hills, Bendeleben Mountains. Kaltag to Koyukuk should expect 3 to 7 inches. Mixed precipitation is likely on Monday with ice accumulations of a light glaze east of the Nulato Hills… A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected or occurring. This will make travel very difficult or impossible.” The warning will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Residents and travelers should check the local weather reports regularly for the most up-to-date forecasts and advice.