The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued new winter weather warnings as heavy snow and powerful winds are expected to hit parts of the United States later this week. Forecasters are warning residents that conditions may worsen quickly, even as most of the country continues to experience unusually warm temperatures for December.
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Severe Winds and Heavy Snow Expected
On Tuesday, December 16, the NWS confirmed that at least two states are set to face hazardous winter conditions once again. Despite warmer-than-usual weather across much of the U.S., portions of Alaska and Washington are preparing for another round of intense snow and dangerous winds.
Earlier in the week, the Weather Channel reported that a winter storm brought the first measurable snowfall of the season to New York City. Nearly three inches fell in some areas, causing flight delays and leaving thousands of New Jersey residents without power.
Alaska and Washington Brace for Strong Winds and Deep Snow
Forecasters say the most severe conditions will impact Alaska and Washington. The NWS office in Anchorage issued multiple warnings, including an upgrade from a High Wind Watch to a High Wind Warning for the Pacific side of the Alaska Peninsula.
According to the alert, wind gusts could reach 80 mph, strong enough to move debris, damage structures, and knock out power. The agency advised residents to secure outdoor objects and monitor updates closely.
A separate High Wind Watch has been issued for the Eastern Aleutians and parts of the Alaska Peninsula from noon Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. The NWS cautioned that conditions could turn hazardous quickly and urged residents to prepare ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Snowfall totals are expected to vary widely across affected areas, with some regions forecasted to receive only a few inches while others could see up to 20 inches of accumulation.
Warmer Weather Expected Elsewhere in the U.S.
While Alaska, Washington, and sections of the Northeast prepare for wintry conditions, the rest of the country is expected to see a noticeable shift toward warmer temperatures heading into Christmas.
Data from the NWS Climate Prediction Center shows that approximately 90% of the U.S. is forecasted to experience above-normal temperatures through the end of December. The warming trend is expected to remain consistent across much of the lower 48 states.
According to the Weather Channel, areas in the Northern Plains that recently saw subzero temperatures will feel a dramatic warm-up, with highs climbing into the 40s by midweek. Warmer air will spread eastward from Wednesday through Friday as a new cold front approaches the northern regions. Meanwhile, the Southwest is expected to continue its unusually warm pattern.
