Multiple states were under winter weather-related alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Wednesday, with up to 10 inches of snow expected in parts.
Why It Matters
In Alaska, the National Weather Service warned that heavy snow and strong winds could cause low visibility, while several Midwestern and Northeastern states may experience frost and freezing conditions capable of harming outdoor plants.
What To Know
As of early Wednesday, a winter weather advisory is in place for Alaska’s Atigun Pass, where the NWS said snow accumulations between five and 10 inches, as well as wind gusts as high as 55 miles per hour, are expected.
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions,” the agency said. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.”
The NWS added that “very strong” wind and snow could result in visibility as low as one half mile at times.
Meanwhile, freeze warnings and watches, as well as frost advisories spanned multiple states, including:
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- West Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the NWS said widespread subfreezing temperatures are anticipated to mark the end of the growing season, with many areas expected to see lows dropping into the 20s.
This included Crow Wing, Aitkin, Pine, Koochiching, Cass, Itasca, Carlton, St. Louis, Cook and Lake Counties in Minnesota and Price, Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, and Washburn Counties in Wisconsin.
“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the freeze warning said.
Pennsylvania’s McKean County could see temperatures dip into the mid-low 20’s Wednesday and Thursday night, the NWS said.
A freeze warning has also been issued for Idaho’s Arco/Mud Lake Desert, Lower Snake River Plain, and Upper Snake River Plain until 9 a.m. MDT on Wednesday, where the NWS said sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 are expected, mainly in rural parts of these areas.
“Urban areas around Idaho Falls and Pocatello will likely remain at or above the freezing mark,” the warning said.
What People Are Saying
A spokesperson for NWS Duluth, Minnesota told Newsweek: “The cold weather that we are experiencing this morning in our region (northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin) is expected to be the coldest that we are going to see.
“Currently, we have widespread temperatures in the 20’s across the region (30’s and 40’s immediately adjacent to Lake Superior). We are expecting winds to become southerly today, and they will start bringing in slightly warmer air to the region.
“Tonight’s lows are forecast to be in the 30’s and 40’s. There may be some low 30’s for parts of north-central Wisconsin. A widespread freeze is not expected again tonight as temperatures are forecast to be several degrees warmer than they are currently this morning.”
NWS Fairbanks, Alaska, said in a post on X, Monday: “We have issued a Winter Weather Advisory for snow and potential blowing snow, limiting visibility as low as 1/2 mile at times. Total snow accumulation 5 to 10 inches are possible with winds potentially gusting as high as 55 mph in Atigun Pass. Roads will likely be slick.”
NWS Charleston, West Virginia said on X, Tuesday: “With rain gradually coming to an end overnight, the forecast returns to a drier, but much cooler state in the wake of a cold front. Overnight low temperatures, especially along the mountains and in sheltered valleys, will allow for patchy frost to form.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the winter weather advisory for Alaska was in effect until 10 a.m. AKDT Thursday.
Local forecast updates are issued by regional NHC branches on the agency’s website and social media channels.
