Winter Storm Warning Updated as Additional Foot of Snow Is Possible

The calendar may say April 15, but there are still parts of the United States experiencing winter weather. This week, the Pacific Northwest has been hit with heavy snow in some areas, and more is reportedly on the way.

The latest updated Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) calls for up to a foot of additional snow in the North Oregon Cascades, Cascades of Marion and Linn Counties, Cascades of Lane County and South Washington Cascades.

'Heavy' snow, 'hazardous' travel predicted

On Sunday, the NWS Portland outpost first warned of incoming snow in the Cascades, including 10-to-18 inches of snow above 3500 feet and 35-to-45 mph wind gusts at pass level from Tuesday night through Wednesday.

Now, the newest NWS update says the South Washington and Northern and Central Oregon Cascades can expect up to an additional foot of snow and possibly two feet of snow in total above 2500 feet, with the Winter Storm Warning remaining in effect until 5 a.m. local time Thursday.

As a result, travel may prove "hazardous."

"Consider postponing travel until weather conditions improve," the NWS warns. "If you must travel, be sure to slow down and allow extra time. If your car becomes trapped in deep snow, be sure to keep your car off to stay safe from potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Be aware that walking surfaces may be slick. Walk with extra care. Backcountry recreation is not advised."

Snow piling up elsewhere as well

Besides the cascades of Oregon and Washington, heavy snow is also falling in Wyoming, particularly in the Wind River, Absaroka, Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains and Yellowstone National Park.

"Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 9 and 18 inches, with the highest elevations could see up to 20 inches. Winds gusting between 30 and 50 mph. Higher elevations could gust up to 55 mph," says the latest NWS Winter Storm Warning, which runs through Friday evening.

How to prepare

If you're in the area of a winter storm, the best thing you can do is stay inside and wait out the inclement weather.

However, if you must travel, experts have compiled a checklist of emergency items to keep in your vehicle, courtesy of Men's Journal's Matthew Thomas.

• Flashlight (preferably crank-type, because batteries don’t last long in extreme cold)
• Reflective safety triangles or flares
• Small first-aid kit
• Snow brush and scraper
• Traction aids
• Small shovel with long handle
• Bag of abrasive material: sand, kitty litter (avoid road salt, which can cause your vehicle to rust)
• Plenty of windshield washer fluid
• Booster cables
• Gas-line antifreeze
• Lock de-icer (in extreme cold, keep it with you, rather than in your vehicle!)
• Paper towels
• Small tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
• Extra fuses (for the vehicle’s electrical system)
• Warm blanket
• Extra socks, boots and gloves
• Hand and foot warmers
• Bottles of water
• Granola bars

Please be careful everyone.