A winter storm moving across the United States will dump several inches of snow on various states on Friday, with snowfall starting as early as Thursday night in some instances.
Meteorologists have been warning about the impending storm since the beginning of the week, with the unsettling weather bringing snow to colder locations and torrential rain to warm ones. Tornadoes ripped into Oklahoma on Thursday ahead of the winter weather, and most of the South is under a flood watch due to heavy rain.
Snowfall in the afflicted states is forecast to be around 6 inches or less, depending on location. Alaska, Colorado, Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin are among the states that forecast snow on Friday.
States expecting snow on Friday
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The Lone Star State is among those anticipating snow on Friday, while NWS Amarillo meteorologist Christian Rangel told Newsweek that snow is usual in Northern Texas this time of year. Up to 3 inches of snow might fall in the Texas Panhandle throughout the day Friday. Dallam County might receive up to 5 inches of rainfall.
“Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving,” NWS Amarillo said in a winter weather advisory. “If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”
The NWS Amarillo prediction region includes Oklahoma, and meteorologists predict snow in the Oklahoma Panhandle on Friday.
Alaska
The NWS office in Anchorage, Alaska, issued a couple of winter weather advisories warning of snow starting at midday on Friday, with up to 30 inches expected.
“A long duration, steady snowfall will begin midday Friday and intensify through Friday night. Snow will become wetter and denser Saturday morning as temperatures warm, with some mixing with rain possible at times. Snow will gradually let up throughout the day on Sunday.”
Valdez, Chitina, Kenny Lake, and McCarthy are among the cities impacted. The Juneau area will also be pummeled with snow.
Colorado
Several NWS offices in Colorado have issued snow alerts for the state, with accumulations ranging from 1 to 6 inches. Snow will fall in some locations on Thursday night, but not in others until Friday morning.
Breckenridge, Boulder, and Pueblo are among the cities that have been impacted.
“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes,” NWS Pueblo said in a winter weather advisory.
Arizona
The majority of the snowfall in Flagstaff will end around 2 a.m. local time on Friday. The heaviest snowfall totals will be up to 8 inches over 8,000 feet elevation.
Moderate to heavy snowfall will result in snow-covered roadways and hazardous driving conditions. The treacherous conditions will affect the Thursday evening commute. Strong winds may cause tree branches to fall.
Michigan
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the Great Lakes region is expected to see snow on Friday. Snowfall will begin Thursday evening and continue until Friday morning. Ironwood, Ontonagon, Sidnaw, Kenton, and Iron River, among other cities, will have snowfall of up to 4 inches.
New Mexico
Snowfall will begin in New Mexico on Thursday evening and continue through Friday morning, with totals of up to 4 inches in the Central Highlands, Northwest Highlands, and Upper Rio Grande Valley. The snowstorm will also affect Santa Fe and Glorieta Mesa.
“Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced,” NWS Albuquerque said in a winter weather advisory. “Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This includes along portions of I-25 between Raton to Las Vegas.”
Kansas
NWS Dodge City cautioned that snow would fall throughout the day on Friday, with a winter weather advisory in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Hugoton, Ulysses, Elkhart, Liberal, and Johnson City are all anticipated to get 1 to 4 inches of snow.
Wisconsin
Snow will begin to fall in Wisconsin on Thursday night and continue to pile until Friday morning. Cities including Niagara, Tomahawk, Merrill, and Wausaukee may receive up to 6 inches of snow.