California, Washington, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Prepare for Major US Winter Storm Expected to Bring Heavy Snow and Travel Disruptions

Saturday, February 1, 2025

A powerful winter storm is set to hit California, Washington, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and widespread travel disruptions. Residents and officials across these states are bracing for impact, preparing road crews, issuing advisories, and urging people to stock up on essentials before the worst of the storm arrives.

In the West, California and Nevada are expecting major snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, with hazardous conditions on mountain passes. Washington and Montana are already seeing increasing snowfall, with whiteout conditions expected in the Cascades and Rockies. Colorado and New Mexico are preparing for intense snowfall in the high country, with travel along I-25 and I-70 likely to be treacherous. Meanwhile, in the Midwest, Minnesota and Wisconsin are gearing up for a blast of snow and strong winds, which could lead to dangerous commutes, road closures, and power outages.

With the storm set to intensify over the weekend, officials across all eight states are warning residents to prepare for dangerous travel, potential power outages, and extreme winter conditions. If you’re in the path of this system, now is the time to get ready—because this storm isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Heavy Snow and High Winds Are Creating a Mess

Oregon and Northern California are getting slammed, especially in the South-Central Oregon Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains, and along major highways like 97, 58, and 140. Whiteout conditions are turning roads into a nightmare, and Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, and Mount Ashland are bracing for even more snowfall. Meanwhile, in the Sierra Nevada and Northern Rockies, places like Yosemite National Park, Mt. Shasta Ski Park, and the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming could end up buried under three to four feet of snow before this storm moves out.

The storm isn’t stopping there. It’s pushing east into Utah and Colorado, where the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains are already seeing heavy snow. Logan Summit, Mirror Lake Highway, and high-altitude ski resorts are in for another couple of days of intense snowfall. In Montana and Wyoming, the Absaroka and Teton Mountains are getting hammered, with snow totals reaching two to four feet in the highest elevations. Even Yellowstone National Park is seeing dangerous conditions, with high winds making matters even worse.

Washington and Northern Oregon aren’t catching a break either. The Cascades, including Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, and the Mount Baker Ski Area, are under winter storm warnings. Snow levels are dropping below 3,000 feet, which means even some lower-elevation towns could see snowfall pile up.

Travel Is Becoming Dangerous—Or Impossible

Roads across the region are a mess. Visibility is near zero in some areas, and strong wind gusts—up to 60 mph in places—are causing blowing and drifting snow. Travel in the mountains is extremely dangerous, and in some areas, it’s simply not an option. Power outages are already happening as heavy snow weighs down tree branches and power lines.

If you absolutely have to travel, you need to be prepared. Keep extra food, water, blankets, and a flashlight in your vehicle. If you’re heading into the mountains, check for road closures and chain requirements before you leave. Highway conditions can change fast, and getting stranded in a blizzard isn’t something you want to risk.

When Will This Storm Finally Let Up?

Unfortunately, this storm isn’t over yet. The heaviest snowfall will continue through Monday, with lingering snow showers expected into Tuesday. Even after the snow stops falling, cold temperatures and gusty winds will keep roads icy and dangerous.

Authorities are urging everyone to stay indoors if possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and be prepared for power outages. This storm is bringing some of the harshest winter conditions of the season, and it’s not one to take lightly. If you live in or near the affected areas, stay informed, stay warm, and most importantly—stay safe.

• San Francisco Based Airbnb to Reveal 2024 Financial Results: How Global Travel Trends and Short-Term Rentals Are Shaping the Future of Tourism

• Los Angeles, Spain, and Beyond How Will Rising Entry Fees, Record Tourism Growth, and the Ongoing Challenge of Overtourism Redefine Global Travel in the Coming Months?

• Virginia Joins California, New York, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Georgia, and Arizona as One of Fourteen States in TSA’s Digital ID Program – Now Accepted at Over Two Hundred US Airports

• Kansas City Current Locks in Superstar Temwa Chawinga with New Multi-Year Deal

• New York, California, and Texas, Face Major Travel Disruptions as Massive Winter Storm Sweeps Across US