A powerful late-season snowstorm is bringing life-threatening cold and heavy snow to many regions in the United States. The National Weather Service has issued a heavy snow warning for several states, with forecasts predicting 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, Maine and New Hampshire are bracing for heavy snow that will fall on top of freezing drizzle, creating a light glaze of ice underneath.
In Alaska, the National Weather Service has warned of up to 6 inches of snow in parts of the southeastern regions. On Hawaii’s Big Island, the summits are under a Winter Storm Warning, with additional snow and winds reaching 35 mph expected.
Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour during the peak of the storm, which could outpace the ability of plows and road crews to keep highways clear. The storm is linked to a volatile polar air mass moving south, bringing rapid snowfall, gusty winds, and plummeting temperatures.
“Periods of moderate snow and low visibility will be the biggest hazards,” warned the National Weather Service. In Hawaii, officials noted, “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, leaving many communities to prepare for challenging conditions ahead.
