Why It Matters
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather alerts for nine states across the U.S., warning that some regions could see up to 18 inches of snow from Sunday through Tuesday morning. With several areas expecting their first major snow event of the season, forecasters are urging residents to prepare for “very difficult travel” and potentially hazardous road conditions.
Drivers are advised to expect slippery roads, poor visibility, and dangerous conditions over bridges and overpasses. Commuters should plan for extra travel time during morning and evening rush hours and stay tuned for local updates as conditions evolve.
Where the Storm Will Hit
According to the NWS, the following states will be impacted between Sunday and Tuesday: Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, Alaska, and Maine.
Michigan
In Michigan, Mason and Oceana Counties are expected to see up to 4 inches of snow overnight into Sunday. Meanwhile, Alger and Marquette Counties could be buried under as much as 12 inches of lake-effect snow through Monday evening — a type of snowfall that occurs when cold air moves over warmer lake water.
Additional accumulations of 2–8 inches are likely across Delta, Luce, Schoolcraft, Keweenaw, Houghton, Gogebic, and Ontonagon Counties, with wind gusts reaching 35 mph, creating blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Wisconsin
In northern Wisconsin, Ashland and Iron Counties are forecast to receive 3–7 inches of snow through early Monday. Vilas County could see up to 6 inches in the northwest, with the remainder of the county getting 2–4 inches. The heaviest snow will fall late Sunday night.
North Carolina
Residents of Ashe, Watauga, and Avery Counties should expect a mix of snow, wind, and freezing rain from Sunday night through Tuesday morning. Up to 3 inches of snow and gusts as strong as 45 mph may cause downed branches and power outages. Higher elevations — including Graham, Haywood, Madison, and Yancey Counties — could see up to 8 inches of accumulation and whiteout conditions.
Virginia
In Grayson County, up to 3 inches of snow and 45 mph wind gusts are possible through Tuesday morning. Nearby areas including Smyth, Tazewell, Mercer, and Summers Counties should expect 1–3 inches and winds up to 35 mph. Western parts of the state, such as Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph, and Webster Counties, may see 6–7 inches of accumulation with near-blizzard conditions at times.
Tennessee
Eastern Tennessee will face 40 mph winds and snow totals reaching 5 inches in some mountain corridors, including Sam’s Gap along the I-26 highway. In the Smoky Mountains — particularly Blount, Cocke, and Sevier Counties — snowfall could range from 8 to 12 inches by Tuesday evening, especially at higher elevations like Mount LeConte and Newfound Gap.
Maine
Parts of central and northern Maine, including the North Woods and Central Highlands, will see up to 2 inches of snow and a glaze of ice through Tuesday morning, creating treacherous roadways and limited visibility.
New York
In western and upstate New York, Niagara, Orleans, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties could receive between 4 and 6 inches of snow by Monday morning. Rain will transition into wet snow Sunday night, creating slippery, icy conditions for commuters. The Adirondacks and St. Lawrence Valley will also pick up 2–3 inches of accumulation, while Chautauqua County could see up to 6 inches in the heaviest bands.
Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky counties — including Bell, Pike, Harlan, and Letcher — are bracing for up to 4 inches of snow, particularly above 3,500 feet. Motorists traveling mountain routes above 2,000 feet are urged to drive with caution as snow and ice could make roads slick through Monday evening.
Alaska
In Alaska, the Kuskokwim Delta Coast and Nunivak Island will experience blowing snow, 50 mph wind gusts, and accumulations up to 4 inches. Along the Klondike Highway, high elevations could see a staggering 18 inches of snow through Sunday night. The Haines Highway will also be treacherous, with up to 10 inches near Haines Customs and 7 inches in surrounding areas.
What Officials Are Saying
The National Weather Service cautioned that lake-effect snow can vary dramatically from one location to another: “During lake effect snow, weather can shift from heavy bands to clear skies within just a few miles. Drivers should be ready for rapid changes in visibility and road conditions.”
The NWS New York office added: “Be prepared for slippery roads and icy sidewalks. Slow down, use caution, and report local snow or ice conditions through our website or social media.”
What Happens Next
Residents across affected regions are encouraged to stay alert to local forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep emergency supplies on hand. The combination of heavy snow, gusty winds, and freezing rain could lead to scattered power outages and dangerous driving conditions into Tuesday morning.
Those traveling through mountain passes or high-elevation routes should carry extra blankets, water, and a charged phone. As forecasters warn, even short trips could become hazardous during the height of the storm.
Stay tuned for updated advisories and warnings from the National Weather Service as this powerful early-season system continues to move across the country.
