New Winter Storm Warnings Issued for 8 States as Heavy Snow, High Winds Loom

Up to 20 inches of snow and 70 mph winds expected across Western and Central regions

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued new winter storm warnings for eight states in the Western and Central U.S. as a powerful storm system is forecast to bring heavy snow accumulations of up to 20 inches and damaging winds gusting up to 70 mph. The storm is expected to impact travel conditions across multiple regions, with the Sierra Nevada mountains in California potentially seeing over 3 feet of additional snowfall.

Why it matters

This winter storm poses a significant threat to public safety and transportation across a wide swath of the country, with the potential for hazardous driving conditions, power outages, and disruptions to daily life. The heavy snow and high winds could also impact critical infrastructure and emergency services in the affected areas.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for Alaska, Arizona, California, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. In California's Sierra Nevada mountains, snowfall totals over the past 72 hours have already reached 55-70 inches, and an additional 3 feet of snow is expected. Other regions are bracing for 4-20 inches of new snow, along with winds gusting up to 70 mph that will lead to blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel extremely dangerous.

  • The winter storm warnings are in effect starting Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The heavy snow and high winds are expected to continue through Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“In the West, another round of heavy snow in the Sierra is likely today, as well as coastal/low elevation rain and isolated thunderstorms for southern California. Snowfall totals of over 2 feet with isolated amounts of over 3 feet are possible by Friday morning. Some thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts in southern California today.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updated forecasts and warnings as the situation develops. Residents in the affected areas are advised to closely follow local weather reports and heed any travel advisories or safety instructions from local authorities.

The takeaway

This powerful winter storm serves as a stark reminder of the need for preparedness and caution during severe weather events. Residents in the impacted regions should take steps to secure their homes, avoid unnecessary travel, and be ready to respond to potential power outages or other disruptions caused by the heavy snow and high winds.