The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for parts of California and Alaska, with some areas expecting up to 22 inches of snow. Meanwhile, lower-level weather advisories are in place across seven other states as winter weather sweeps across the central and eastern United States.
Why This Matters
The NWS warns that wintry weather could make travel difficult and dangerous throughout the weekend in affected areas. California, already struggling with devastating wildfires, now faces risks of flash flooding and debris flows due to incoming rain and snow.
Weather Overview
California: Snow, Winds, and Travel Risks
A winter storm warning has been issued for the San Bernardino and Riverside Mountains, including areas such as Lake Arrowhead, Wrightwood, and Big Bear City.
- Timing: 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Monday
- Snowfall:
- Areas above 6,000 feet: 12–18 inches of snow expected
- Areas above 4,000 feet: 3–6 inches of snow
- Wind Gusts: Up to 50 mph, making travel “very difficult to impossible”
The NWS urges residents to delay travel if possible. For those who must travel, they recommend keeping emergency supplies like flashlights, food, and water in vehicles.
Alaska: Heavy Snow and Limited Visibility
Alaska’s eastern Aleutian region, including Unalaska and Nikolski, is also under a winter storm warning until 3 p.m. on Sunday.
- Snowfall: 12–22 inches expected
- Visibility: Reduced to half a mile or less
- Travel Conditions: Hazardous due to heavy snow and poor visibility
Additional warnings are in effect for regions including the Yukon Valley, Noatak Valley, Koyukuk Valley, and the White Mountains. Some warnings are expected to last until Monday.
Other Affected States
Winter weather advisories are in place for parts of North Dakota, New York, Michigan, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and other regions of California and Alaska. These areas could experience substantial snowfall, low visibility, and hazardous travel conditions.
The NWS advises drivers in these areas to “slow down and use caution” while traveling. Residents can call 511 for the latest road conditions in their state.
Expert Insights
The NWS highlighted the risk of dangerous debris flows in areas recently affected by wildfires, particularly in Southern California. On Friday, the agency posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“A storm will pass through the southwestern U.S. this weekend with widespread rain and mountain snow. Rainfall will be mostly beneficial but poses a risk for dangerous debris flows over recent burn scars.”
Storm chaser Colin McCarthy also commented on X, noting the significant impact of the storm on Southern California:
“Southern California’s first significant storm in over 9 months arrives this weekend… Heavy snow above 6,000 feet and rain could trigger flash flooding and debris flows on burn scars.”
What’s Next?
The NWS forecasts more heavy rain next week in parts of the southern U.S., including eastern Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and southeastern Oklahoma. Rainfall is expected to intensify on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially causing additional flooding risks.
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