WEATHER
Winter weather alert: Which states will see snow in early spring?
Spring is here, and snow is still falling in many parts of the United States. Will you see snow in your area over the coming week?
Across dozens of states, snow is falling to celebrate the beginning of spring. Low temperatures in the early weeks of spring are not uncommon in many areas of the country, and increased snowfall can also help to ensure that groundwater reserves are preserved and that the ecosystems in these areas remain healthy.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Winter Storm Warnings in Alaska, California, Maine, New York, and Vermont.
What is a Winter Storm Warning?
"A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent."
Source: NWS
The alert was issued earlier this week in Alaska and ends on Friday. The NWS expected the Noatak Valley and the Interior Seward Peninsula to see up to nine inches of snow. Out in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range and foothills, snow is expected over the weekend in Western Plumas County, and Lassen Park is expected to see between one and three feet of snow. Additionally, along Interstate 80 over Donner Pass and Highway 50 over Echo Submit, between two and four feet of snow are expected—Interstate 80 over Donner Pass and Highway 50 over Echo Summit. Skiiers hoping to get a few more days on the mountain before the season comes to an end will likely be able to take advantage of the powder expected in these areas. Yosemite National Park could also see up to four feet in some areas.
Snow to fall in close to a dozen states over the weekend
The NWS has also issued a lesser alert, a Winter Weather Advisory, in various geographies, including California, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Wisconsin, and several others.
What is a Winter Weather Advisory?
"A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued for any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning."
Source: National Weather Service
These storms are expected to be smaller than those in areas under a Winter Storm Warning. Those under any warning from the NWS should read the alert carefully and ensure no precautions need to be taken. The NWS has dozens of social media profiles for the various offices that publish these alerts, and following those in your area is one way to stay current and ensure you are not caught off guard as storms approach.