dailyloe.com – Four states are preparing for heavy snowfall and powerful winds later this week. The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. Up to 18 inches of snow is predicted in some areas. Ridgetop winds could reach speeds of 90 miles per hour.
The hazardous conditions are expected to continue into Thursday. The weather service warned of difficult travel and disruptions to normal activities. Snow will spread into higher elevations of the northern Rockies. Lower elevations in these regions will primarily see rain.
The Riverton, Wyoming office of the National Weather Service provided details. It said up to 18 inches of snow is expected across the Tetons. This will make travel very difficult over Teton Pass and Togwotee Pass. Several other regions in Wyoming could see up to 10 inches of snow.
In Idaho, a winter weather advisory is in effect for several mountain ranges. The Pocatello NWS office listed the Bear River and Caribou Ranges. The Big Hole Mountains, Centennial Mountains, and Island Park are also included. Up to 10 inches of snow is forecast for these areas.
The advisory covers cities like Wayan, Kilgore, and Victor. Swan Valley, Emigration Summit, and Island Park are also affected. The National Weather Service issued the warning for these specific locations. The focus is on the potential for significant snow accumulation.
Montana is also expecting substantial snowfall this week. The Missoula NWS office forecasts up to 12 inches of snow. It issued a travel warning to residents of the state. The warning advises people to expect disruptions to normal activities.
The warning also highlights hazardous traveling conditions. It urges drivers to use extra caution while on the road. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. The National Weather Service emphasized these risks in its statement.
Other western ranges may see lighter snowfall initially. The National Weather Service mentioned northern California and the Cascades. The Great Basin may also see some snow but totals should remain light. The precipitation focus will shift northward on Wednesday.
It will continue for the Pacific Northwest and northern Great Basin. The weather will also expand into the northern Rockies. Locally heavy snow is expected to continue there into Thursday. Some higher valleys may see a snow mix by Wednesday night.
Little to no accumulation is expected in those valleys. The primary concern remains the heavier snowfall in mountain passes. The National Weather Service is accustomed to delivering this winter news. Spring officially began more than a month ago.
