A powerful late-season snowstorm is bringing life-threatening cold and heavy snow to many regions in the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heavy snow warning for several states, with forecasts indicating up to 10 inches of snow in some areas.
New York and Vermont are experiencing the strongest snowfall, particularly in higher elevations, where totals could reach between 6 to 10 inches. Meanwhile, in Maine and New Hampshire, heavy snow is expected to fall on top of freezing drizzle, creating a light glaze of ice underneath.
In Alaska, the NWS has warned of up to 6 inches of snow in parts of the southeastern regions. Additionally, Hawaii’s Big Island is under a Winter Storm Warning, with additional snow and winds reaching 35 mph expected at the summits.
Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour during the peak of the storm, outpacing the ability of plows and road crews to keep highways clear. The storm is linked to a volatile polar air mass moving south, which is bringing rapid snowfall, gusty winds, and plummeting temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service, “Periods of moderate snow and low visibility will be the biggest hazards.” In Hawaii, the NWS has also noted that “heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast for the peaks.”
The start of spring has arrived in the United States, but winter is refusing to let go, as this storm demonstrates the unpredictable nature of seasonal weather patterns.
