Expert Issues Clear Warning as 20 Inches of Snow Approach

Over the past several weeks, parts of the United States have been hit hard with severe winter weather and massive amounts of snow. As yet another major storm rolls in that threatens to bring as much as 30 inches of snow to some areas, an expert has issued a pretty clear warning that should help keep people safe.

Winter Weather Warning

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter weather warnings and winter weather advisories on Friday, Dec. 12, that impact more than a dozens states throughout the country. This comes just days after extreme winter weather hit much of the country earlier this week.

The winter weather warnings and advisories include 19 states in addition to Washington, D.C., stretching across the Rockies, Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast, and mid-Atlantic regions of the country.

The states included in the warnings and advisories are Alaska, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia. The agency has also issued advisories for Alaska, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Alaska and Montana are expected to be hit the hardest through Monday, Dec. 15 with the storms expected to bring as much as 20 to 30 inches of snow to parts of Alaska and upwards of 20 inches to parts of Montana.

Expert Issues Warning

As this next wave of winter weather moves across the country, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) his issued a bit of a warning for anyone who might have to travel through the winter weather in the coming days.

The experts warn drivers that while some main roads appear clear amid the snowy conditions, side streets and back roads may still be dangerous.

The agency also warned that modern safety sensors, like blind spot monitoring or auto emergency braking, can get covered or obstructed by snow, ice, or the salt solutions that tow trucks often put on roads and may not work as well or at all.

All in all, it's important for drivers to take some extra time to ensure safety when driving through those conditions – even those with plenty of experience driving in winter weather.

“I know that we’re always in a rush to get places, but it’s really important to take some time. Really take the time, make sure your vehicle is ready to drive. Another thing that’s common this time of year is to see that air pressure monitor, you know, come on in your vehicle as the temperatures drop,” said Joseph Young, IIHS Director of Media Relations, via WVIR Charlotte.