Six states had winter weather-related warnings in place from the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Friday, with up to 10 inches of snow expected in parts of the country.

Why It Matters

Freezing temperatures can be hazardous to health, especially for vulnerable groups like infants and older adults.

Winter storms may cause power outages and snow can obstruct travel, leading to dangerous driving conditions.

What To Know

As of Friday morning, there were winter weather advisories in place for northern New York, a portion of northern Wisconsin and a portion of West Virginia.

The NWS said winter weather advisories are issued “for any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.”

Winter storm warnings, issued when “a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent,” were in place in northeast Minnesota, northern Michigan and Alaska.

Forecast snowfall varied from state to state, but in Michigan’s Keweenaw County, the NWS said accumulations between 5 and 10 inches would be possible. It said the greatest amounts were expected along the US-41 corridor, warning that morning and evening commutes would be impacted.

Luce and northern Schoolcraft Counties could also see 10 inches, as could central Chippewa, eastern Mackinac, southeast Chippewa, and western Chippewa Counties.

In Alaska, parts of the Klondike Highway near White Pass were expected to see up to 8 inches, with the NWS warning that travel would be “very difficult.”

In Minnesota, Lake and Cook Counties could see between 2 and 4 inches. “Plan on slippery road conditions,” the NWS advised.

Most of northern New York was expected to get between 2 and 6 inches, the NWS said, although the eastern Lake Ontario region was forecast for between 6 and 10 inches of snow.

In West Virginia’s Pendleton County, the NWS said up to 3 inches was expected.

What People Are Saying

NWS forecast office for Buffalo, New York said on X on Thursday: “Snow accumulations over the next couple of days will be greatest across the North Country, where Winter Weather Advisories are in effect. The bulk of the snow across the area will come in two batches, one tonight and another Friday afternoon into Saturday.”

NWS Marquette, Michigan said on X, Thursday: “Widespread moderate to heavy snow is possible late tonight into Friday evening over northern and eastern sections of the U.P. Rain mixed with snow will keep snow amounts lower over the interior west and south central U.P.”

What Happens Next

At the time of writing, the latest winter weather advisories were in place until 9 p.m. Saturday, while the latest winter storm warnings would be in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday.

The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website and on social media.

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