Winter storm warning as five feet of snow to hit: 'Delay all travel'

A widespread winter storm system is set to affect seven states across the West and Northeast, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Some mountain regions could see up to five feet of snow, while others face blizzard conditions and gusts exceeding 100 mph.

If driving is unavoidable, carry emergency supplies and prepare for sudden changes in visibility.

An NWS winter storm watch means severe winter weather—such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice—is possible in the near future, usually within 12 to 48 hours. It’s an early alert to prepare for hazardous conditions.

Meanwhile, a winter storm warning is more serious: it means dangerous winter weather is expected or already occurring, and immediate action should be taken to stay safe.

And a winter weather advisory indicates less severe conditions, but still enough to cause travel difficulties and safety concerns, such as light snow or freezing rain.

The impacted states from the most recent alerts are:

A man shovels snow in Brooklyn after an overnight storm on December 27, 2025 in New York City.

California

California faces the most severe impacts, with multiple warnings in effect through Monday morning.

The Sierra Nevada could see up to five feet of snow above 6,000 feet, while the Eastern Sierra Slopes will receive 4 to 24 inches, depending on elevation.

Siskiyou County may see 6 to 18 inches, with up to 36 inches on the highest peaks, and Northern Trinity could get 10 to 16 inches. The West Slope Northern Sierra and Western Plumas regions will see 1 to 2 feet above 5,000 feet, and up to 5 feet above 6,000 feet.

Winds will gust between 45 and 60 mph, and ridgetop gusts may exceed 100 mph.

Snow levels will drop from 7,500 feet on Saturday to around 4,500 feet by Monday.

Travel may be extremely difficult to impossible, especially on mountain passes such as Etna Summit, Mt. Shasta ski park highway, and Scott Mountain, where strong winds could cause tree branches to break and fall, according to the NWS.

The NWS said: “Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.

“Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.”

People walk through the snow in Brooklyn after an overnight storm on December 27, 2025, in New York City

Nevada

Mono County and the Greater Lake Tahoe Area remain under warnings until 10 a.m. PST Monday. Snow accumulations will range from 1 to 3 feet above 7,000 feet, with up to 4 feet on the highest peaks.

Lake-level areas around Tahoe will receive 4 to 12 inches, and Highway 395 communities may see 2 to 6 inches.

Winds will gust up to 45 mph, with ridgetop gusts exceeding 100 mph, and waves of 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe.

These conditions will make travel treacherous and could cause significant tree damage and power outages.

The NWS said: “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.”

Additionally, Lassen and Eastern Plumas counties are under an advisory through Monday morning, with 4 to 8 inches of snow and locally up to 12 inches west of Highway 395.

New York

Oswego County remains under a winter storm warning until 7 p.m. ET Saturday. Heavy lake-effect snow will add 8 to 12 inches in the most persistent bands, creating deep snow cover and very poor visibility.

Conditions can change rapidly within short distances, making travel extremely dangerous. Authorities strongly advise delaying all travel and being prepared for sudden weather shifts.

The NWS said: “During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”

Oregon

The South Central Oregon Cascades, including Crater Lake and Diamond Lake, are under an advisory from Saturday afternoon through Sunday.

Snowfall of 5 to 10 inches is expected above 5,000 feet, with winds gusting up to 45 mph. Travel may be difficult along highways 62, 138, and 230.

Utah

The Wasatch Mountains and Western Uinta Mountains are under an advisory from Saturday night through Monday night MST.

Snowfall will range from 8 to 18 inches, with locally higher amounts up to 2 feet above 8,500 feet. Conditions will worsen late Sunday and persist into Monday, making travel through mountain passes such as Provo Canyon and Snowbasin extremely difficult.

Wyoming

Several mountain ranges in Wyoming will see heavy snow from late Saturday through Monday morning.

The Tetons and Gros Ventre Mountains are forecast to receive 8 to 16 inches, with isolated totals up to 2 feet.

The Salt River and Wyoming Ranges could see 12 to 18 inches, while Yellowstone National Park may experience up to 16 inches near the South Entrance and two feet in southwestern areas.

Winds will gust up to 40–45 mph, creating dangerous conditions on passes like Teton and Togwotee.

Alaska

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Kuskokwim Delta, Western Capes, Northern Bristol Bay Coast, and Inland Bristol Bay from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.

Snowfall totals could reach 6 to 12 inches, accompanied by winds gusting up to 50 mph.

These conditions may reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less, creating dangerous whiteouts and making travel very difficult. Blowing snow and strong winds could also lead to drifting and hazardous road conditions throughout the region.

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