Four states had winter weather-related warnings in place from the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Monday, with 24 inches of snow forecast for some parts of the country.
Why It Matters
Freezing temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults. According to the NWS, there were 39 deaths in the U.S. in 2023 that were related to extreme winter weather.
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What To Know
As of Tuesday morning, winter weather advisories were in place in Montana, Idaho, and Oregon.
Advisories are 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.”
Additionally, winter storm warnings, meaning “a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent,” were issued in Washington.
The NWS said between 12 and 24 inches of snow were expected around the west slopes of the South Central Cascades and passes, at elevations of or above 4,000 feet.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” it warned.
Similar levels of snowfall would be possible around Holden Village and Stevens Pass.
“Motorists should be prepared for winter driving conditions with periods of heavy snow late Monday night into Tuesday morning,” the NWS said.
In Montana, the NWS said light to moderate snow would develop Tuesday morning and continue through the evening around Elk City, Dixie, and Highway 12 to Lolo Pass.
It said the same of Highway 200 Greenough Hill, and Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan, Evaro Hill, Polebridge, Marias Pass, Bad Rock Canyon, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, and Essex.
The east slopes of the Oregon Cascades could see periods of “moderate to heavy” snow, the NWS said. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches were expected.
What People Are Saying
NWS Forecast Office Missoula, Montana, said on the NWS website: “There’s an increased risk for snow squalls along the Continental Divide Monday night into early Tuesday morning (February 24-25) as bursts of heavy snow and falling temperatures along a cold front lead to icy roadways and dangerous road conditions.
“Areas of concern include: U.S. Highway 12 (MacDonald Pass), I-15 South of Butte (Divide), I-90 (Garrison to Homestake Pass), US-93 (Lost Trail Pass) and Georgetown Lake.”
NWS Seattle said on X on Monday: “Snow over the Cascade passes will continue through Tuesday afternoon with the potential for impacts.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest winter weather advisories were in place until 11 p.m. Tuesday.
The latest winter storm warning was in effect until 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.
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