Eighteen million people face winter weather alerts on Saturday. National Weather Service.
More than 18 million people across the West and Midwest will face tough winter weather this weekend. Weather agencies issued widespread alerts as storms bring heavy snow, sharp winds, and dangerous cold.
Forecasters say a strong system now hitting the Northern Rockies will drop large amounts of snow. Higher peaks may see more than a foot of accumulation by Saturday. Snow will then spread east into the Northern Plains and the Upper Midwest. Areas from South Dakota to northwest Illinois could receive 4 to 6 inches, with some pockets seeing even more.
Chicago Braces for Slippery Roads
Chicago sits under a winter weather advisory. Forecasters expect 2 to 5 inches of snow in the city. The snowfall will make roads and sidewalks slippery by early morning, bringing travel challenges across the region.
By late weekend, temperatures are expected to fall sharply. The Dakotas and Minnesota may see subzero lows Sunday night into Monday. Another round of snow will reach parts of Minnesota on Saturday afternoon. Bitter cold will follow that system as well.
Forecasters say moderate to heavy snow will likely develop over sections of the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley on Saturday night.
Colorado Mountains Hit Hard
Colorado sits under winter storm warnings and advisories. Mountain areas are expected to take the hardest hit, with heavy snow continuing through the weekend. Drivers in high passes should prepare for low visibility and icy conditions.
Pacific Northwest Faces Flooding Threat
The Pacific Northwest will deal with a much different threat. Several Pacific storm systems will move in late Sunday into Monday. Western Washington and Oregon will see heavy, steady rain as the storms arrive.
The ground is already saturated, raising the risk of flash flooding. Water from the new rainfall will flow quickly into streams and rivers. Flood watches are now in place across several counties. Experts warn that the heavy rain threat could continue for up to 10 days as more systems line up offshore.
Travel and Safety Concerns Grow
Travellers should prepare for delays across highways and airport hubs. Snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds will create dangerous conditions in several regions. Officials advise people to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay aware of changing forecasts.
Communities across the West and Midwest will continue to track the shifting storm pattern. With more snow and heavy rain expected, the weekend will bring challenges from the mountains to the coasts.
