Winter Storm Warning Announced for 48 Inches of Snow, 100 mph Winds This Weekend

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a new winter storm warning that's shaping up to bring record-breaking winds to multiple areas of the U.S.

As holiday travel winds down, the NWS has announced winter storm warnings in four states and cautions of heavy snow and dangerous travel conditions that will make roads unsafe through the weekend.

According to the NWS, California, Nevada, New York and Michigan are all under warnings for hazardous conditions, with forecasters expecting up to four feet of snow in mountain areas and heavy, lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes.

"Lake effect snow showers will continue through Saturday downwind of Lakes Erie, Ontario and the eastern portion of Lake Superior," the NWS said in a statement. "A series of storm systems will continue to impact California and the Pacific Northwest through the weekend and into next week, bringing widespread rainfall, mountain snowfall, and gusty winds. Coastal flooding is expected in northern California."

Winter Storm Warning Timeline and Expertise

The winter storm warnings and advisories run through Friday, Jan. 2, in Michigan; Friday night in areas of New York; and all the way into Monday, Jan. 5, for California and Nevada. Forecasters warn of slippery and dangerous driving conditions, making travel nearly impossible in certain areas. Power outages may occur, too.

More than four feet of snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada in California, especially in areas such as Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge and Yosemite National Park. The the Sierra Nevada forecast also calls for winds up to 100 mph, which may cause tree damage and widespread power outages.

In Nevada, the Lake Tahoe area is expected to get one to three feet of snow above 7,000 feet. Also, multiple New York counties, including Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Wyoming and Chautauqua, have warnings through early Saturday, Jan. 3.

"Snowy and cold conditions are expected across the Northeast and Midwest to start 2026, while heavy rain and storms bring a flash flooding threat across the West particularly in southern California," the NWS added in a post on social media.

Preparing for Severe Weather

So, what's the best way to prepare for severe weather? The National Weather Service has advice.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the NWS said in a statement regarding the current warnings. "The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511."

The NWS also warns to take cold weather seriously, stating, "The arctic air can be dangerous. Combined with brisk winds, dangerously cold wind chill values can result. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite and can succumb to hypothermia in a matter of minutes."