Winter Weather Alert: Which states will see snow storms today, Wednesday December 20?
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 alerts active for Wednesday 20 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 Dense Fog Advisory?
If the area experiences visibility of one quarter of a mile or less, the NWS issues a Dense Fog Advisory. Low visibility could result in hazardous driving conditions.
Alaska
Winter Weather Advisory: East Turnagain Arm, Western Prince William Sound (until Dec. 20 1 a.m. AKST)
California
Winter Storm Warning: Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge; Kings Canyon NP; Sequoia NP; Upper San Joaquin River; Yosemite NP outside of the valley (until Dec. 21 10 a.m. PST)
Oregon
Dense Fog Advisory: North Oregon Coast, Cascade Foothills in Lane County; Central Coast Range of Western Oregon; Central Willamette Valley; Coast Range of Northwest Oregon; Greater Portland Metro Area; Lower Columbia; Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills; South Willamette Valley (until Dec. 20 10 a.m. PST), Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon (until Dec. 20 12 p.m. PST)
Washington
Dense Fog Advisory: South Washington Coast; Willapa Hills, Greater Vancouver Area; Lower Columbia and I - 5 Corridor in Cowlitz County; South Washington Cascade Foothills, Lower Chehalis Valley Area; Southwest Interior; Tacoma Area (until Dec. 20 10 a.m. PST)
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.