Winter weather warnings have been issued in four states as heavy snowstorms are expected to create hazardous conditions through the beginning of Thanksgiving week.
The warnings were issued for Alaska, California, Nevada, and Oregon.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the snowstorms could make travel extremely difficult or impossible in affected regions.
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In California, a winter storm warning is in place for the eastern Sierra Slopes, where heavy snow is predicted from 4 a.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Wednesday. The NWS forecasts snow accumulations between 1.5 and 5 feet depending on elevation, with wind gusts up to 45 mph exacerbating conditions.
A snowstorm on Interstate 5 heading into Portland, Oregon, on January 11, 2017. Winter weather warnings have been issued in four states as heavy snowstorms are expected to create hazardous conditions through the beginning of… A snowstorm on Interstate 5 heading into Portland, Oregon, on January 11, 2017. Winter weather warnings have been issued in four states as heavy snowstorms are expected to create hazardous conditions through the beginning of Thanksgiving week. More Don Ryan/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Northern Trinity County in California is also bracing for snow above 4,500 feet, where up to 15 inches is expected by 4 p.m. Monday. The NWS warns that winds gusting as high as 45 mph could further complicate travel on Highway 3 at Scott Mountain Pass.
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Nevada’s Greater Lake Tahoe Area is under a winter storm warning from 7 a.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Wednesday, with snowfall totals ranging from 5 to 30 inches depending on elevation. Ridge winds may gust as high as 75 mph, creating dangerous travel conditions.
Nearby Mono County in California was also included in the warning, where snow accumulations between 1 and 3 feet above 7,000 feet are expected through Wednesday morning. Ridge winds could reach 80 mph.
Also in California, south central Siskiyou County, including the towns of McCloud and Dunsmuir, is under a warning until 4 a.m. Tuesday. Heavy snow above 4,000 feet could total up to 24 inches, with hazardous conditions likely on Highway 89.
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In Alaska, a winter storm warning is in effect for the Upper Koyukuk Valley in the west of the state and towns including Allakaket, Bettles, and Evansville. Heavy snow is expected to bring an additional 6 to 9 inches of accumulation through 6 a.m. AKST Monday, according to the NWS.
The South Slopes of the Western Brooks Range, and Lower Koyukuk Valley in Alaska are also under a warning, with total snow accumulations of 7 to 10 inches anticipated. Travel in these areas could become extremely hazardous.
The NWS advises that travelers carry emergency supplies and check for road condition updates before venturing into storm-affected areas.
A winter storm warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. The NWS defines hazardous weather as
Winter Weather Warnings for 4 States Entering Thanksgiving Week
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