US NEWS: A powerful winter storm is bearing down on parts of the United States this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue warnings and advisories across six states. From Sunday into Monday, heavy snow and strong winds are expected to create hazardous travel conditions and possible power outages in affected areas.
Alaska is poised to take the hardest hit, with some southern coastal communities forecast to receive 8 to 12 inches of snow. Locations such as Elfin Cove and Pelican could see the highest totals, while Kake and Port Alexander may get 3 to 5 inches accompanied by gusty winds exceeding 40 miles per hour. Forecasters say an arctic front pushing south, combined with steady moisture, will fuel prolonged periods of moderate to heavy snow, especially around Haines and the Icy Strait region.
Farther south and east, Wyoming’s Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges are under winter storm warnings for up to 10 inches of accumulation. In Michigan, lake effect snow bands could drop as much as 6 inches across Central Chippewa and Western Chippewa counties, where weather conditions can change dramatically within just a few miles.
Parts of Virginia and South Carolina, which rarely see significant December snowfall, are also included in the alerts. Some areas in those states may pick up as much as 5 inches before the system moves out.
The National Weather Service is urging residents and travelers to stay alert for rapidly deteriorating conditions. Lake effect snow in particular can produce whiteout conditions and slick roads with little warning. Officials recommend keeping extra supplies in vehicles, delaying nonessential travel, and monitoring local updates through Monday morning when the bulk of the storm is expected to wind down.
Even Chicago is likely to see at least light snow, though most of the heavier bands will remain north and west of the city.
Motorists and outdoor enthusiasts in all warned areas are advised to exercise caution as the first widespread winter weather event of the season unfolds.