Winter Storm Warnings Issued for Five Western States

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories Sunday for portions of Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Oregon. The alerts cover the period from Sunday into Monday and forecast heavy snow, strong winds, and reduced visibility.

Central and northern Wyoming face the heaviest snow totals. The Wind River Mountains East are expected to receive 8 to 16 inches of snow with wind gusts reaching 50 mph. Nearby ranges including the Green Mountains, Rattlesnake Range, and Casper Mountain are forecast to see 6 to 14 inches.

Montana's Rocky Mountain Front and Glacier region could receive 2 to 12 inches, with the highest amounts at upper elevations. The Bighorn Mountains along the Montana-Wyoming border are projected to accumulate up to 10 inches by Monday noon.

Uinta Mountains may see 6 to 14 inches of snow by Monday night. In Washington and Oregon, the Cascades are forecast to receive 1 to 6 inches above 4,000 feet, with the heaviest amounts above 5,000 feet. Strong winds of 40 to 50 mph are expected to produce blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions at higher elevations across all five states.

The National Weather Service warned that travel conditions will be hazardous, particularly on mountain passes and high-elevation routes. Key trouble spots include South Pass and Interstate 80 in Wyoming, Highway 14 through the Bighorn Mountains, and multiple passes in Montana and the Cascades.

Drivers are advised to reduce speed, allow extra travel time, and carry emergency supplies including shovels, blankets, and non-perishable food. The agency stated that conditions could change rapidly between valleys and higher elevations.