Winter Storm Warning Announced as 18 Inches of Snow, 55 mph Winds Emerge

Spring is in full swing, but Oregon and Alaska are facing another winter storm.

The two states are experiencing a powerful winter storm that's expected to bring up to 18 inches of snow and strong winds to the region. On top of those states, a handful of others are also expected heavy snowfall as the middle of April approaches.

On Monday, April 13, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning and winter storm watch for five states: Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Utah and California.

National Weather Service Announces Winter Storm Warning and Winter Storm Watch for 5 States

Parts of Alaska are under a winter storm warning, with the eastern areas of the Alaska Range expecting between 12 and 18 inches of snow above 1,500 feet by Tuesday, April 14.

In Oregon, forecasters say to brace for an upwards of 10 inches of snow on the eastern slopes of the Oregon Cascades and 55 mph winds from Tuesday into Wednesday. "Heavy snow returns to the Cascades Tuesday night through Wednesday night, which could cause hazardous travel conditions over Cascade passes," the NWS in Portland stated. "Keep an eye on the forecast & prepare now if you have mountain travel plans."

Higher elevations in Washington, Utah and California are expected to get up to 18 inches of snow as mid-April nears.

Other Areas of the Country Experiencing Severe Thunderstorms

Meanwhile, in the Great Lakes and Midwest, the National Weather Service warns of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain this week. "A couple of these waves will likely trigger strong to severe thunderstorms with heavy rain focusing across the upper Midwest to the Great Lakes region for tonight into Tuesday morning," the service states.

They add, "A lull in the thunderstorm activity is expected during the day on Tuesday before another round of strong to severe thunderstorms with heavy rain returns later on Tuesday across the Midwest/upper Midwest and into the southern half of the Great Lakes into early Wednesday morning."

What's the Different Between a Weather Warning and Watch?

So, what's the difference between a winter storm watch and warning? "A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property," the National Weather Service explains.

In turn, they add that "a watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so."

An advisory means "a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely," but an advisory is not as severe as a warning.