Winter Weather Alert: Which states will see snow storms today, Friday December 22?
Winter weather will be affecting communities across the country creating hazardous conditions in some areas. Check out the full list of NWS alerts.
Cold temperatures and snow are creating dangerous conditions around the country. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dozens of alerts. If you live in an affected area, it is advised that you take the proper precautions to stay safe. We have compiled all of the current winter alerts active for Friday 22 December, and for the full details, check out the NWS website.
What is a Winter Weather Advisory?
The NWS issues a Winter Weather Advisory “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.” For the details, please review the information uploaded to the NWS website, which compiles and updates these alerts.
What is a Winter Storm Warning?
The more severe alert issued by the NWS is a Winter Storm Warning, which includes “heavy snow of at least six inches in 12 hours, or at least eight inches in 24 hours, is expected. It can also be issued if sleet accumulation will be at least half an inch.”
What is a Freezing Fog Advisory?
The NWS issues a Freezing Fog Advisory when visibility is below one mile in freezing fog. Low visibility can make driving conditions hazardous. Freezing fog will also lead to icy spots on roadways, especially on elevated surfaces such as overpasses and bridges.
What is an Ice Storm Warning? A Blizzard Warning?
The NWS also issues other severe weather alerts: one is called an Ice Storm Warning, where ice accumulation of at least one-fourth of an inch is expected, while a Blizzard Warning is given when blizzard conditions are expected for at least three hours.
Alaska
Winter Weather Advisory: Eastern Aleutians (until Dec. 22 12 p.m. AKST)
Winter Storm Watch: Haines Borough and Klukwan; Municipality of Skagway (until Dec. 24 6 p.m. AKST)
Blizzard Warning: Alaska Peninsula (until Dec. 23 12 p.m. AKST), Bristol Bay, (until Dec. 23 3 p.m. AKST)
Arizona
Winter Weather Advisory: Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains including Mount Graham; Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains including Mount Lemmon, Summerhaven; White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties including Hannagan Meadow (until Dec. 23 5 p.m. MST)
California
Winter Weather Advisory: Riverside County Mountains; San Bernardino County Mountains (until Dec.23 4 a.m. PST)
Colorado
Winter Storm Warning: Southwest San Juan Mountains (until Dec. 24 5 a.m. MST)
Winter Weather Advisory: Uncompahgre Plateau, Dallas Divide, Northwestern San Juan Mountains (until Dec. 24 5 a.m. MST)
New Mexico
Winter Storm Watch: East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains; Jemez Mountains; Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains; Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains; Tusas Mountains Including Chama (up to Dec. 24. 5 a.m. MST)
Utah
Winter Weather Advisory: La Sal and Abajo Mountains (until Dec. 24 5 a.m. MST)
Washington
Winter Weather Advisory: West Slopes North Central Cascades and Passes, Western Chelan County (until Dec. 22 10 p.m.)
It’s important to keep yourself updated with the latest weather alerts. To get the full details, you can visit the NWS website. In most cases, these warnings will advise you to stay off the roads or take necessary precautions. For instance, make sure to give yourself extra time to reach your destination as the roads might be slippery and require you to slow down at certain points. When you’re not on the road, it’s also important to be cautious while walking on walkways, sidewalks, and paths as they can become icy and increase the risk of injuries.