Winter weather warnings in 7 states as 2 feet of snow threatens

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for areas in Alaska, Maine, Michigan and Pennsylvania, while weather advisories are in effect for other areas in those four states as well as Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Michigan

Michigan is facing widespread impacts from lake effect snow. The Upper Peninsula, Keweenaw and northern Houghton counties could see 6 to 20 inches of snow through Saturday morning, with gusts of up to 35 mph reducing visibility. The southern regions of the Upper Peninsula, including Alger and Luce counties, could see accumulations of up to 30 inches through Monday.

Winter storm warnings for 1 to 2 feet of snow are in effect for northern Michigan, including Antrim and Otsego counties, through Sunday morning. Up to 3 inches of snow is expected in advisory areas such as Osceola and Lake counties.

According to the NWS, roads in hard-hit areas could become impassable.

Alaska

In Alaska, winter storm warnings remain in effect for Hyder and the central panhandle. Heavy snow is forecast, with another 10 to 15cm expected on Friday morning. 10 to 13 inches of snow could accumulate along the Icy Strait from Saturday afternoon through Sunday night, possibly changing to rain in the southern Panhandle by Monday.

Travelers are advised to prepare for poor visibility and hazardous conditions. An additional 1 to 3 inches of snow could fall in the city and Wrangell County.

Maine

Winter storm warnings are in effect for southern and central parts of Maine, including Somerset, Franklin and Oxford counties, with snow totals ranging from 6 to 12 inches. Another 2 inches is expected before the storm subsides Friday morning. Roads are expected to remain slippery overnight and power outages may occur due to the heavy, wet snow.

Northern Maine, including Piscataquis County and southeastern Aroostook, will experience similar conditions, with up to 6 inches of additional snow expected through Friday morning. Kennebec and Waldo counties could see up to 2 inches of additional snow fall by 4 a.m. Friday.

Pennsylvania

Warren County, Pennsylvania is under a winter storm warning from Friday through Saturday morning, with snow totals expected to reach 2 to 7 inches. Locally higher amounts are possible, with gusty winds likely to cause blowing snow and cover unpaved roads.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for nearby McKean County from 4 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, with accumulations of 1 to 4 inches and drifting snow reported.

Minnesota

A winter weather advisory is in effect for North St. Louis County, Minnesota, through Friday morning. Snowfall of 2 to 5 inches is expected, with blowing snow potentially making travel difficult.

Ohio

In Ohio, Cuyahoga County will see up to 5 inches of snowfall through Saturday morning, with wind gusts up to 40 mph. A winter weather advisory is in effect from midnight Thursday until 10 a.m. Saturday.

Wisconsin

Northern Wisconsin is facing heavy snow, with Iron and Bayfield counties under a warning through Saturday morning. Snow totals in these regions could reach 9 inches, while Vilas County expects up to 3 inches by midday Friday.

Safety recommendations

The NWS urges travelers to prepare for emergencies and avoid unnecessary travel. Residents in affected areas should keep emergency supplies such as food, water and flashlights in their vehicles.

Hazardous road conditions, poor visibility and blowing snow are expected to continue throughout the storm system. Travelers are advised to monitor weather updates and road condition alerts through local 511 services.

The NWS said vigilance and travel preparation are important as the winter storm continues to move across the country.