Winter Storm Warning Map Shows 5 States Set for ‘Blowing Snow’

Winter weather alerts are in place for at least five states where an intense storm is set to bring heavy snow and gusting winds.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming, where blowing snow could cause significant travel hazards.

In its latest forecast, the NWS said an “intense low-pressure system” will continue to bring hurricane-force winds to much of the High Plains and nearby Rockies on Sunday.

“The cold air mass behind this intense storm is supporting wet snow across the northern High Plains into the northern Rockies,” the forecast said.

“The combination of wet snow in the midst of the high winds has resulted in blizzard conditions locally over western Nebraska. Meanwhile, plenty of warm air is wrapping around the eastern side of the storm with bands of showers and thunderstorms sweeping through the northern and central Plains.”

The storm is expected to gradually weaken on Sunday as it moves toward the upper Midwest, the forecast said.

Colorado

Winter weather advisories are in place for the Elkhead and Park Mountains, where up to 7 inches of snow are expected, and Rabbit Ears Pass until noon MDT on Sunday. People are advised to plan for slippery roads and hazardous conditions as blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility in higher areas.

Montana

Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Snow and Judith Mountains and Fergus County below 4,500 feet until midnight MDT, and Powder River and Southern Rosebud until midday local time on Monday. Forecasters warn that strong winds and weight of snow could down power lines, and could cause power outages.

Storm warnings are also in effect for Southern Big Horn until noon on Monday, and Pryor/Northern Bighorn Mountains until 6 p.m. on Monday. Heavy wet snow and poor visibility will make travel difficult, while the combination of snow and winds could also bring down tree limbs and power lines, forecasters say.

Nebraska

A blizzard warning has been issued for Scotts Bluff, Cheyenne, Kimball, and Banner counties until noon MDT on Sunday. Total snow accumulations of up to 12 inches are expected south of the North Platte River Valley with winds gusting as high as 70 mph. Forecasters warn that widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. A winter storm warning is also in effect for Sioux County, where heavy and blowing snow is also expected, until 6 a.m. MDT Monday.

South Dakota

Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Central Black Hills and the Northern Black Hills until 6 a.m. MDT on Monday. Heavy, wet snow is expected with winds gusting as high as 35 mph. Winter weather advisories are in place for the Northern Foot Hills and the Western Fall River Plains until 6 a.m. on Monday, where forecasters warn that blowing snow could reduce visibility.

Wyoming

Winter storm warnings have been announced for the Wyoming Black Hills, Western County Plains, Campbell County and Western Crook County until 6 a.m. MDT on Monday. Forecasters say blowing snow could make travel very difficult to impossible in those areas.