Winter Storm Warning Issued as 2 Feet of Snow Expected

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A late-season winter storm is set to bring heavy mountain snow, gusty winds, and hazardous travel conditions across parts of the western and northern United States, with some areas bracing for up to 2 feet of snow. Warnings and advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service for Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Alaska, urging drivers to postpone travel due to rapidly deteriorating road conditions.

Why it matters

This late-season winter storm has the potential to significantly impact travel and outdoor recreation across the western U.S., with the threat of whiteout conditions, downed trees and power lines, and dangerous wind chills. The storm also comes as parts of the region are already dealing with freeze warnings, raising concerns about damage to crops, vegetation, and outdoor plumbing.

The details

The most significant snowfall is expected across parts of southern Montana and northern Wyoming, where forecasters predict 1 to 2 feet of snow, with the highest totals above 9,000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph, producing widespread blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility. In Wyoming, winter storm warnings are posted for the Wind River Mountains, Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, and Yellowstone National Park, with snow totals of 9 to 18 inches forecast. The Oregon and Washington Cascades are also expected to see heavy snow, with up to 2 to 4 inches of additional accumulation overnight.

• The winter storm warnings and advisories stretch across Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Alaska, with conditions expected to deteriorate beginning Wednesday evening and lasting through Friday morning.
• In Montana and Wyoming, the winter storm warnings remain in effect until 6 a.m. MDT Friday.
• In Wyoming, the winter storm warnings are posted from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Friday in Yellowstone and 6 p.m. Friday across the Wind River Range.
• In the Oregon and Washington Cascades, the winter storm warning issued by the NWS in Portland remains in effect until 5 a.m. PDT Thursday for elevations above 2,500 feet.
• The winter storm warning for the East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades lasts until 5 a.m. PDT Thursday for elevations above 4,000 feet.

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and provide updated forecasts and warnings as the system moves through the region. Travelers should check weather conditions and advisories before attempting to travel through the affected areas.