Winter Weather Warnings Issued With 12 to 36 Inches of Snow, 40 mph Winds

On Friday, Dec. 19, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced additional winter weather warnings and winter weather advisories impacting travel for Americans over the pre-Christmas weekend. It's only December, but much of the U.S. is already dealing with snow, ice, wind, flooding and hazardous weather.

The NWS has announced winter storm warnings in five states and winter weather advisories in additional ones. In specific areas, the NWS is also predicting up to 36 inches of snow from Friday, Dec. 19, into Saturday, Dec. 20.

"A powerful storm will shift from the Upper Midwest to eastern Canada through Friday with areas of snow/localized blizzard conditions, high winds, and gusty showers and thunderstorms," the NWS said in a statement on X. "An atmospheric river will impact Oregon and northern California Thursday and Friday with heavy to excessive rain which may bring new or renewed flooding."

States With Winter Weather Warnings

The NWS has announced winter storm warnings for five states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. They've also sent out winter weather advisories for Maryland, West Virginia, the Great Lakes, New York, Pennsylvania and the Northern Rockies.

The area looking at the most snow is Washington, with snow totals up to 36 inches expected at higher areas of elevation, such as Paradise and Mount Baker. But, the Oregon Cascades, as well as mountain regions of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, are also bracing for heavy snowfall through the weekend.

"Total snow accumulations between 1 to 2 feet at Snoqualmie and Stevens, with locations like Paradise and Mount Baker receiving closer to 2 to 3 feet of snow," are expected according to the NWS. "Snow levels will continue to lower between 1000 to 1500 feet this morning."

This weather system will move across the U.S. and cause issues in the Great Lakes and Northeast, according to the NWS.

"The storm which brought high winds, fire weather, and blizzard conditions to the central U.S. through Thursday will shift across the Great Lakes and Northeast U.S. Friday with gusty winds and rain changing to snow showers," the service stated on X. "Another strong storm will cross the Northwest U.S. Friday with heavy mountain snow and gusty to high winds."

Great Lakes and Northeast in for Slick Conditions, Dangerous Winds

The winter weather advisories for the Great Lakes and Northeast call for slippery roads, blowing snow and hazardous driving conditions.

"Additional snow showers will spread across SE Michigan through the early afternoon along with gusty winds to 40 mph," the NWS stated on X on Friday, Dec. 19. "This may lead to rapid drops in visibility and slick roads. Drive with caution and allow for extra time."

Areas of Northern and lower Michigan may see additional snowfall, and New York are Pennsylvania are looking at lake-effect snow from three to six inches and gusts up to 45 mph.

"Chances of rain are expected to transition to snow within the next couple hours for most," the NWS in Pittsburgh stated, "along with cooling temperatures and gusty winds. With refreezing concerns and snow showers, a few slick spots are possible on area roads into this afternoon and evening."