Winter Storm Warnings Announced for 12 Inches of Snow and 60 mph Winds

While areas of the United States are experiencing a warmup, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings, watches and advisories, running through Friday, Feb. 20, for parts still bracing for heavy snow and strong winds.

The National Weather Service, specifically, has issued winter storm warnings, watches and alerts for areas of the Rockies and extending into areas of the Midwest and Northeast. The good news is that a warm front is on the way, but before then, these areas should prep for significant snowfall and gusty winds.

Snow and Wind Heading to 7 States Under Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories

According to research from the weather experts at AccuWeather, the heaviest snow for this storm system will fall east of the Rockies over the Canadian Prairies, but snow will also work its way east into the Great Lakes and Northeast. The largest band of snow will run from the northern part of North Dakota to the northern part of Minnesota, garnering six to 12 new inches.

Additional snowfall of three to six inches is also projected from northern Michigan to portions of northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts from Wednesday, Feb. 18, to Thursday, Feb. 19.

The NWS in Gaylord, Michigan, warned of a "wintry mix set to impact much of northern lower and eastern upper Michigan" going into the second part of the week, potentially bringing more than 10 inches of snow to the area, mainly rain near and south of Grand Traverse Bay.

Even if the snowfall isn't as heavy as it was a few weeks ago, experts warn that having any additional accumulation could hinder areas that are already hurting from the last storm. Meanwhile, high winds of 40 to 60 mph are projected from the Rockies to the Plains as the week continues.

A Second Storm is Brewing, Weather Experts Say

As if that weren't enough, a second storm is brewing for Thursday, Feb. 19, and Friday, Feb. 20, heading to the Midwest and Plains. "A wide strip of three to six inches of snow can accumulate from South Dakota and Nebraska to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan," AccuWeather tells Men's Journal in an email. They add that "pockets of six to 12 inches of snow" are expected, with an upwards of 24 inches even expected in "northern Nebraska and off of Lake Superior in Michigan."

The NWS warns that "Strong winds, heavy snow and/or ice may result in power outages for some areas in the coming days – especially the northern tier of states." 

But, the good news is that a warmup is on the way. According to NOAA research, nearly the entire country will have much warmer than normal weather from mid-February through March 3. Plus, spring comes on Friday, March 20, just it's time to start counting down the days until the warmer season.