Winter Storm Warnings Sweep Ten States, Alaska Braces for Up to 45 Inches
Updated (2 articles)
Nationwide Winter Storm Warnings Issued Across Ten States The National Weather Service released winter storm warnings covering at least ten states from the Northeast to the Rockies and Alaska, forecasting up to 18 inches of snow in some locales. The alerts begin Saturday and extend into early next week, with many remaining active through Monday. Officials warn that travel will be hazardous due to snow, mixed precipitation, strong winds, and icy conditions [1].
Heavy Snowfall Expected in the Alaska Panhandle Alaska’s panhandle faces the most extreme totals, with Yakutat projected to receive up to 45 inches and Juneau up to 34 inches of snow. Skagway and Haines could see 18–36 inches, while other northern areas expect five to nine inches. Wind gusts may reach 65 mph, creating whiteout conditions and further endangering travel [1].
Significant Snow Accumulations Predicted for Idaho and Utah Mountain regions of Idaho are forecast to accumulate 8–18 inches, accompanied by gusty winds that could impair visibility. Utah’s higher elevations may receive six to twelve inches, with some spots approaching two feet. The NWS advises travelers to carry emergency kits, including flashlights, food, and water, and to verify road conditions before departing [1].
Northeast States Brace for Mixed Precipitation and Ice Connecticut counties are under warnings, with Hartford County expecting up to an additional inch of snow and other counties up to two inches plus a light glaze of ice. In New York’s Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Catskills, and Taconics, up to two inches are expected, while central and southern counties could see six to twelve inches before daybreak. Long Island and NYC boroughs remain under warnings until early afternoon, with light snow and ice reducing visibility and making bridges hazardous [1].
Travel Guidance Emphasizes Preparedness and Road Checks The NWS repeatedly urges motorists to avoid nonessential travel and, if travel is unavoidable, to equip vehicles with emergency supplies such as flashlights, food, and water. Drivers are instructed to monitor official road condition updates and heed local advisories. These precautions apply nationwide, reflecting the storm’s broad impact on transportation infrastructure [1].
Timeline
Dec 19, 2025 – NWS meteorologists issue severe thunderstorm warnings for more than 13 million people across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, reporting wind gusts of 60‑70 mph and urging residents to “move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building” and seek shelter immediately; the warnings launch at 3:15 p.m. EST (Mount Holly) and 3:18 p.m. EST (New York) and expire at 4:15 p.m. EST, driven by an atmospheric river from the Pacific Northwest, a rare December occurrence that also spawns December tornado warnings in St. Louis the previous day [2].
Dec 27, 2025 – NWS releases winter storm warnings spanning at least ten states from the Northeast to the Rockies and Alaska, forecasting up to 18 inches of snow, wind gusts up to 65 mph, and icy conditions, and warns that “roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” prompting travel advisories that extend into Monday [1].
Dec 27, 2025 – In Connecticut, the warning calls for up to two inches of snow and a light glaze of ice, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile and the agency advising drivers to expect “slick and hazardous” bridges; in the New York Capital Region and Catskills, accumulations of six to twelve inches are expected before the storm ends by daybreak [1].
Dec 27, 2025 – Idaho’s mountain zones anticipate 8‑18 inches of snow and gusty winds, while Utah expects six to twelve inches, up to two feet at higher elevations, and the NWS repeats its emergency travel guidance: “If you must travel, carry an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, and water, and check road conditions through official channels” [1].
Dec 27, 2025 – Alaska’s panhandle braces for extreme totals, with Yakutat projected for up to 45 inches, Juneau up to 34 inches, and Skagway/Haines 18‑36 inches, alongside 65‑mph winds that could create whiteout conditions; the warnings remain active through Monday, signaling continued hazardous travel across the region [1].