Wintry weather is possible across much of the US this weekend.
Winter storm warnings are in place for California’s Sierra Nevada mountains until 22 Saturday, when 6 to 24 inches of snow is possible.
An avalanche watch is in effect for the backcountry areas of the Greater Lake Tahoe region due to the new snow and strong winds. This does not include ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation programs exist.
Wind warnings are in effect for gusts up to 50 or even 60 mph on Saturday through much of California’s northern and central valleys.
By Saturday night, much of the rain from this event will taper off, but heavy snow will continue for the Sierra Nevada overnight Sunday.
In this screenshot from a video, a man uses a snow blower in Gaylord, Michigan on December 13, 2024.
WGTU
In this video screenshot, a man clears snow from a roof in Eden, New York, on December 13, 2024.
WKBW
Total sneak accumulations up to 2 feet are possible in the Sierra Nevada. One to 3 inches of rain is possible along the coast from the Bay Area to Oregon and Washington.
Mixed precipitation hits the Midwest
The arctic blast is gone and warmer weather is leading to troublesome mixed precipitation in the Midwest.
A winter storm is bringing significant icing to parts of Iowa on Saturday, all thanks to freezing rain. The incoming warm air mass is one of the factors causing this ice storm as rain falls on the subfreezing ground in parts of Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois.
Ice storm warnings were in effect until 15 Saturday in eastern Iowa, where up to 0.30 inches of ice could weigh down trees and power lines, leading to sporadic power outages, as well as icy roads.
Meanwhile, a winter weather advisory is in effect for surrounding states because a mix of precipitation will bring freezing rain, sleet and snow to the region as the system slowly pushes eastward Saturday.
Up to an inch of snow or sleet and one-tenth of an inch of ice is possible for areas under the winter road advisory.
By 5:00 PM CT, the mixed precipitation will be in northeastern Iowa and southern Wisconsin as widespread rain covers the state of Illinois down through Memphis and Nashville.
East coast winter weather
Rain will reach Philadelphia and New York City Saturday night, and snow will continue in northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York.
By Sunday night, the rain is moving across the I-95 corridor, drenching cities like Philly, New York and Boston. Meanwhile, in central and northern New England, snow and a wintry mix could bring slick travel for commuters in the evening and overnight Sunday.
Rain is still expected for New York City by Monday morning, but much of the snow to the north should be finished.
