by Detroit, Michigan – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather warnings across nine U.S. states, cautioning residents to prepare for heavy snowfall, high winds, and hazardous travel conditions from Sunday through Tuesday morning.
The affected states—Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, Alaska, and Maine—are bracing for the season’s first major snowstorm, with some areas expected to see up to 18 inches of snow.
First Major Winter Blast of the Season
The NWS warns that travel could become “very difficult” as roads turn slippery, especially over bridges and overpasses. Commuters are urged to allow extra travel time and remain alert for reduced visibility due to blowing snow and icy patches.
Michigan Faces Heavy Lake Effect Snow
In Michigan, several counties are expected to experience lake effect snow through Monday evening.
- Mason and Oceana Counties could see up to 4 inches overnight into Sunday.
- Alger and Marquette Counties may face intense snowfall up to 12 inches, with nearby regions seeing much less due to shifting snow bands.
- Keweenaw and Houghton Counties are forecast to get 4 inches and 35 mph wind gusts, causing poor visibility.
- Gogebic, Ontonagon, Baraga, and southern Houghton Counties may get up to 8 inches, while Alpena and Presque Isle Counties could reach 5 inches by Sunday night.
Wisconsin Braces for Up to 7 Inches
Across Wisconsin, Ashland and Iron Counties, including the Bad River Reservation and Lac du Flambeau Band, are expected to receive 3 to 7 inches by early Monday morning. Vilas County could see up to 6 inches in the northwest and 2–4 inches elsewhere, with Sunday night bringing the heaviest snow.
North Carolina and Virginia Warn of High Winds and Ice
In North Carolina, Ashe, Watauga, and Avery Counties could see mixed snow and ice lasting through Tuesday morning, with wind gusts up to 45 mph possibly bringing down tree branches. Higher elevations in Haywood, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties may receive up to 8 inches of snow and scattered power outages.
Virginia’s Grayson County could see 3 inches of snow and 45 mph gusts, while Smyth, Tazewell, and Mercer Counties expect 1–3 inches through Tuesday morning. Western Greenbrier County may see 6 inches, and nearby Randolph and Webster Counties could reach 7 inches of snow with strong winds.
Tennessee’s Mountains to See Up to a Foot of Snow
In eastern Tennessee, near Sam’s Gap on the I-26 corridor, wind gusts up to 40 mph and snowfall up to 5 inches are forecast through Tuesday morning. The Blount, Cocke, and Sevier Smoky Mountains Counties could receive 10–12 inches of snow near Mount LeConte and Newfound Gap, with lower elevations seeing up to 8 inches.
Other States: Maine, New York, Kentucky, and Alaska
- Maine’s Central Highlands and North Woods could see up to 2 inches of snow and thick ice through Tuesday.
- In New York, Niagara and Orleans Counties may experience rain turning to snow, with up to 5 inches expected by Monday. Jefferson and Lewis Counties could see 4 inches of snow and ice, leading to dangerous Monday commutes.
- Kentucky’s Bell and Pike Counties may see 2 inches, while Harlan and Letcher Counties could get up to 4 inches—particularly above 3,500 feet.
- In Alaska, Nunivak Island and Kuskokwim Delta Coast face winds up to 50 mph, blowing snow, and 4-inch accumulations. Klondike Highway drivers may encounter up to 18 inches in higher elevations, making travel extremely dangerous.
NWS Urges Caution and Preparedness
The NWS emphasized the unpredictable nature of lake effect snow, noting that weather conditions can shift rapidly even within a few miles.
They advised residents:
“Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you go outside, be careful on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways—they could be icy and increase your risk of falls.”
Residents are urged to check local forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare emergency kits with blankets, food, and flashlights in case of power outages.
Have you experienced snowfall in your area yet? How are you preparing for the storm? Share your experience in the comments below!
