Winter storm warning for six states as travel could be ‘very difficult’

Winter storm warnings and weather advisories from the National Weather Service are in place across six states due to expected snowfall, freezing rain, and hazardous road conditions.

Two states, Michigan and Indiana, have full warnings in place, while winter weather advisories have been issued for other parts of those two states as well as in New York, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Alaska.

These warnings, which include significant snowfall and icy conditions in some areas, have been put in place to advise residents of the potential travel difficulties and safety concerns.

A Winter Storm Warning indicates that heavy snow of at least 6 inches in 12 hours, or at least 8 inches in 24 hours, is expected. It can also be issued if sleet accumulation will be at least half an inch.

A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for one or more of the following: snow of 3 to 5 inches in 12 hours, sleet accumulation up to 1/4 inch, freezing rain in combination with sleet and/or snow, or blowing snow.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest updates by state:

Michigan

Several counties in Michigan are under winter storm warnings or advisories as lake-effect snow continues to impact the state.

• Warning Areas:
  Allegan, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties are under a winter storm warning until 10 a.m. EST on Tuesday, with heavy snow expected to bring additional accumulations of up to 4 inches. Cass, Northern Berrien, and Southern Berrien counties are similarly affected, with anticipated accumulations ranging from 2 to 4 inches. Rapidly changing visibility and road conditions, especially during the Tuesday morning commute, are expected in these areas.
• Advisory Areas:
  Mason, Lake, Muskegon, and Oceana counties are under advisories until 7 a.m. EST Tuesday, where snow accumulations of up to 1 inch are forecast. Northern counties, including Alger, Luce, and Schoolcraft, could see accumulations of up to 6 inches, with localized totals near Grand Marais potentially reaching 8 inches.

Residents are advised to prepare emergency kits with essential supplies such as food, water, and flashlights, while traveling.

Indiana

Indiana is experiencing heavy lake-effect snow in several northern counties.

• Warning Areas:
  Eastern and Western St. Joseph counties are under a winter storm warning until 10 a.m. EST Tuesday. Snowfall accumulations between 1 and 3 inches are forecast.
• Advisory Areas:
  Elkhart and Northern La Porte counties are under advisories, with expected snow accumulations of up to 2 inches. Slippery roads and reduced visibility may impact the Tuesday morning commutes.

Alaska

Alaska faces significant winter storm conditions across multiple regions, with advisories for snow, freezing rain, and strong winds.

• Advisory Areas:
• In the Kuskokwim Delta, a winter storm warning is active from 3 a.m. AKST Tuesday to 3 p.m. AKST Thursday. Mixed precipitation, with up to 1 inch of snow and trace ice, is expected, along with gusty winds of 20–40 mph near the coast. Travel could be “very difficult,” according to the NWS.
• In the Lower Kuskokwim Valley, advisories are in place during the same timeframe, with up to 3 inches of snow and ice accumulations of up to 0.1 inch. Bristol Bay, Susitna Valley, and Anchorage are also under advisories for freezing rain and snow, leading to slippery travel conditions. The Dalton Highway Summits face visibility reductions due to blowing snow and wind chills as low as -40°F.

New York

Parts of New York state are under winter weather advisories due to lake-effect snow.

• Advisory Areas:
  Madison, Onondaga, and Southern Cayuga counties remain under advisories until 1 p.m. EST Tuesday, with localized snow accumulations of up to 3 inches. Similarly, Wayne and Northern Cayuga counties could see snowfall of 1 to 3 inches, with localized totals in persistent snow bands.

The NWS warns of slippery road conditions that may disrupt the morning commute in these regions.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, mountainous areas are under a winter weather advisory due to expected snow at higher elevations.

• Advisory Areas:
  The mountains of East Tennessee, particularly above 2,500 feet, remain under advisory until 7 a.m. EST Tuesday. Snowfall totals of 1 to 4 inches, with higher accumulations in the Smoky Mountains, are forecast. Travelers are urged to exercise caution on mountain roads.

Minnesota

Southern Cook County in Minnesota is forecast to receive heavy snow as a winter weather advisory takes effect.

• Advisory Areas:
  Beginning at 3 p.m. CST Tuesday and lasting until midnight, snowfall accumulations between 3 and 7 inches are expected, particularly in elevated areas. Slippery road conditions may affect the evening commute.

Safety Precautions

The NWS advises residents in all affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor local weather updates, and prepare emergency kits.

Snow and ice accumulation, combined with strong winds in some regions, are likely to create hazardous road conditions.

Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, such as state-operated 511 services, and to exercise caution when driving.