The National Weather Service has placed five states on alert as a potent winter storm threatens to dump heavy snow and bring dangerously cold temperatures to the Rocky Mountain region. While much of the East Coast is bracing for record heat, parts of the West are about to experience a deep freeze.
Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect for Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Colorado as a powerful system moves through the northern and central Rockies. Forecasters warn of heavy, wet mountain snow that could create hazardous travel conditions and power outages.
Wyoming Faces Up to 20 Inches of Snow
Wyoming is expected to take the hardest hit, with some areas potentially seeing up to 20 inches of snowfall from Sunday night into Monday evening. The National Weather Service also warned of record cold temperatures across the state Monday morning, with lows potentially breaking historical records.
“Heavy wet mountain snow is forecast across the northern and central Rockies through much of Monday. Record cold temperatures are possible Monday morning across Wyoming. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings issued,” the warning states.
How to Stay Safe in Winter Storms
With treacherous conditions expected, officials urge residents to take precautions. Here’s a refresher on how to navigate winter weather safely:
- Stay home if possible. Only venture out if absolutely necessary. Even experienced drivers can struggle on icy roads.
- Drive slowly. Reduce your speed to account for reduced traction on snow and ice.
- Accelerate and decelerate gently. Sudden moves can cause skids. Take your time when starting and stopping.
- Increase following distance. Leave 5–6 seconds of space between you and the car ahead to allow for longer stopping distances.
- Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, apply firm, steady pressure with the ball of your foot.
- Avoid stopping if possible. It takes more energy to start from a full stop than to keep rolling slowly.
- Don’t power up hills. Gaining momentum before the incline is safer than gunning it on the slope.
- Never stop while going uphill. Once you lose momentum on an icy hill, it’s extremely difficult to get moving again.
This latest winter blast comes just weeks after a dangerous heat wave targeted six states, highlighting the extreme weather swings affecting the country. For those in the affected areas, the best advice is to stay informed, stay warm, and stay put until the storm passes.
As the system moves through, residents in the Rockies should expect significant travel delays, possible road closures, and the risk of power outages from heavy, wet snow. Officials will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as the storm develops.
