Snowstorm Alerts Issued: NWS Updates on Affected U.S. States

If you live in Colorado, Utah or Montana, be very careful when you go out next week. The second to last week of October 2024 has been issued a Snowstorm warning. Poor weather conditions will make travel in these three states hazardous, say weather scientists working with the National Weather Service (NWS).

Heavy snowfall and strong winds were expected for the mountainous areas of the western states in the winter storm. If you reside in these areas, drive absolutely as you should.

While each state has its own official warning, the advice applies in all stagnant areas that the storm has hit.

Colorado officials have pleaded, ’People should delay all travel if possible’ and in their press release added, ”Roads will likely become slick and hazardous.” […] They could be very difficult to impossible … traveling.

Despite this being bad weather for transportation by car, motorcycles have been directly advised against at this time, until the storm dies down. In fact, the population has been repeatedly asked to Dess-estimate all non-essential travel.

Snowstorms in late October: what to expect

The storm that’s forecasted in Montana will leave up to 14 inches of snow in the Absaroka, Beartooth, and Gallatin ranges. Temperatures in this state will sit between 20°F and 30°F.

Other parts of Utah will have snow accumulations of between 8 and 16 inches, including over 22 inches of snow in the Tushar Range. In mountainous areas, temperatures will be close to 15°F to 25°F.

However, up to 20 inches (especially in the eastern Uinta Mountains) could be dumped on various parts of Colorado. Temperatures in the 30 to 40° Fahrenheit range are expected in Colorado and lower in higher elevations.

Either way, communities that are in the areas that are affected need to stay alert to their local weather reports, which will tell the communities exactly what the weather is like in their own individual areas.

Other weather forecasts

Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada and Montana have issued their own winter weather advisories as well.

The National Weather Service catalogs a winter storm as a winter weather advisory when it’s important but not very dangerous. The circumstances described here, which do not represent a severe hazard to the population or transportation logistics, are those where inconvenience or hazard could result.

Getting ready to drive in a snowstorm

If you can, stay off the road, honestly. If you’re driving, drive slowly, stay alert and be ready. Even in civilized places you don’t know, you always want to keep some emergency gear in your car (blanket, snacks, water, etc.) in case you do get stuck somewhere.

Then don’t forget to try keeping your phone charged. You need to know that lithium batteries are very sensitive to low temperatures. However, if you do get yourself stuck in the car, you should remember to keep your phone as close as possible to your body so the battery doesn’t drain faster from the cold.

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