A powerful winter storm is moving through the western and central U.S., bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. With up to 4 feet of snow possible in some areas, this storm could knock out power, close roads, and disrupt daily life. Here’s how to stay safe and what to expect.
Which States Are in the Danger Zone?
The storm is sweeping across 12 states, and its effects will be different depending on where you are. The states under severe weather warnings include:
- Washington
- Oregon
- California
- Idaho
- Nevada
- Utah
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Colorado
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
What’s Making This Storm So Dangerous?
This isn’t your average winter storm. Here’s why it’s getting so much attention:
1. Heavy Snowfall Could Reach 4 Feet
In areas with higher elevations—like the mountains of California, Nevada, and Colorado—some places could see up to 4 feet of snow. That’s more than enough to block roads, cause avalanches, and trap people indoors for days. Even lower elevations could get several inches of snow, making travel dangerous.
Major highways could be shut down, including stretches of I-80 and I-70, so don’t plan on hitting the road if you’re in these regions.
2. Ice Could Bring Power Outages
In states like Utah, Wyoming, and the Dakotas, freezing rain and ice buildup are major concerns. Even a thin layer of ice can turn roads into slippery hazards and knock down tree branches, power lines, and telephone poles.
Power outages are likely, and some areas could be without electricity for days if crews can’t safely reach them. If you rely on electricity for medical devices, be sure you have a backup plan.
3. Strong Winds Will Make It Worse
Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph will blow through much of the storm zone. The combination of heavy snow and high winds could create blizzard-like whiteout conditions where visibility drops to zero. If you’ve never been in a whiteout, trust me—you won’t want to drive in one. You won’t see anything until it’s too late.
Who’s Most at Risk?
This storm will be tough on everyone, but these groups face the most serious dangers:
- Travelers: If you’re on the road, expect long delays, closed highways, and extremely hazardous driving conditions.
- Rural Residents: People living in rural or mountainous areas could be cut off from emergency services if roads are blocked or power is out.
- The Elderly or Those with Medical Needs: Power outages could be life-threatening for people who rely on heating or medical equipment.
How Long Will the Storm Last?
The storm isn’t moving fast, and its effects will linger over the next 48 to 72 hours. Even when the snow and ice stop falling, the danger won’t be over. As temperatures drop overnight, wet roads could refreeze into black ice, which is nearly invisible and extremely dangerous for drivers.
How to Stay Safe: What You Can Do Right Now
1. Stay Off the Roads
If you don’t absolutely have to travel, don’t risk it. Snow and ice aren’t the only problems—you could get stuck in a whiteout with zero visibility. If you do need to drive:
- Tell someone your route and estimated arrival time.
- Pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and a phone charger.
- Drive slowly and keep plenty of distance from other vehicles.
2. Stock Up on Essentials
Power outages are expected, so be sure you have enough supplies to last at least three days:
- Food and Water: Stick to non-perishable items like canned goods and bottled water.
- Flashlights and Batteries: Don’t rely on candles—they’re a fire hazard.
- Warm Clothing and Blankets: If your heat goes out, you’ll need layers to stay warm.
- Backup Power Source: If you have a generator, make sure it’s working and has fuel.
3. Protect Your Home
- Let your faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes.
- Bring pets indoors or provide them with proper shelter from the cold.
- Charge all your devices and backup batteries in case the power goes out.
4. Check on Neighbors
If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors, check on them before the storm hits. They may need help getting supplies or preparing for power outages.
What Comes Next?
Even after the storm passes, the effects could linger for days. Roads may stay icy, power lines may still be down, and cleanup crews will be working overtime to clear snow and restore power. Temperatures are expected to stay cold, so black ice will be a major hazard, especially during early morning hours.
And here’s the kicker—forecasters are already watching another storm system that could develop next week. This could be the start of a very active February for winter weather, so stay on top of the latest updates.