Winter Storm Warnings Announced for 6 States as 12 Inches of Snow, 60 mph Winds Emerge

Spring is officially here in the U.S., but areas of the country are still getting hit with winter weather, including six states bracing for up to 12 inches of snow and 60 mph winds, according to weather experts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for a bevy of states as winter has one last blast of cold weather and dangerous, heavy snow before spring weather arrives.

Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Hawaii and Alaska Bracing for Heavy Snow, Strong Wind Gusts

According to research from the National Weather Service, a storm is expected to bring "heavy snow and strong winds" to, of all places, Hawaii. The island's Big Island Summits is bracing for "total snow accumulations up to 10 inches" and wind gusts as high as 60 mph. While this storm will start on Sunday, March 22, it's expected to run into Monday, March 23. By the end of the storm, and upwards of 12 inches of snow is possible, according to their weather experts.

This storm will impact travel, with meteorologists warnings, "Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility." They add that travel to the Summits should be postponed.

According to the NWS, a winter storm warnings means that "significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel "very hazardous or impossible."

In addition to Hawaii, other states bracing for winter storms going into the week are Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Alaska. These states are expected to get anywhere from a few inches to 12 inches of fresh snow from different storm systems.

As for New York state, look for snow in the higher elevations. "A winter weather system is set to impact northern New York and the Adirondack region through Monday morning, bringing a mix of accumulating snow, rain, and freezing drizzle that is expected to create difficult and potentially hazardous travel conditions," Adirondack Mountain News stared on social media.

In Vermont, expect "total snow accumulation between 3 and 7 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze," according to the NWS.

Warmer Weather is On the Way for the U.S., Weather Experts Say

The good news is that according to research from the NOAA, warmer weather is ahead. The agency's forecast for March 29 through April 4 calls for much warmer than usual weather for the majority of the United States, with the only exception being the far Northeast.

The first day of spring was on Friday, March 20, so the warm season is officially here, even if it doesn't feel like it. Up next, it's summer solstice, which takes place on Sunday, June 21, bringing the astronomical first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.