Winter weather warnings are already in place in many American states, such as California, Nevada, and Wyoming, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), announced on Wednesday.
The NWS released winter storm alerts in the central Sierra, primarily to the south of I-80, where the amount of snowfall may go up to 12 to 18 inches.
“Snow levels will be 5500 to 6500 feet, with heaviest snow accumulation expected off and on [Tuesday] evening and overnight ... decreasing quickly by sunrise Wednesday,” the agency said, per the Newsweek, and added, that travel through mountain passes could become “very difficult.”
The alert was expected to remain active until 5 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday.
Notably, across the border in Nevada, forecasters said the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range in Elko County could see up to 15 inches of heavy snow.
“A storm system will impact Northern and Central Nevada afternoon through Wednesday night, resulting in periods of heavy snow in the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range,” the NWS said, noting that snow-covered roads were likely along State Route 229 through Secret Pass, Lamoille Canyon, and Harrison Pass.
Further south, Mono County, California, was also under a weather warning, with the Sierra Crest expected to receive up to 12 inches of snow.
For Western Wyoming, winter weather advisories were issued for the Teton and Gros Ventre Ranges, Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, and the Wind River and Absaroka Ranges. These were in effect until 11 p.m. Mountain time.
“The next weather system will bring widespread showers and a few thunderstorms during the next 48 hours... the main focus of rain and snow will be along the higher elevations of western Wyoming,” NWS Riverton, Wyoming posted on X (formerly Twitter).
