Winter storm warnings and advisories in effect right now, and what to do before the storm
16 activeWinter alerts run from a watch (possible within about 48 hours) to a warning (occurring or imminent) and an advisory for less serious but still inconvenient conditions.
Blizzard WarningCentral Beaufort Sea Coast; Eastern Beaufort Sea CoastUntil Nov 13, 4:00 PM AKST
Blizzard Warning issued November 11 at 2:00PM AKST until November 13 at 4:00PM AKST by NWS Fairbanks AK
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
Alaska
Blizzard WarningNorthern Arctic CoastUntil Nov 13, 4:00 PM AKST
Blizzard Warning issued November 11 at 2:00PM AKST until November 13 at 4:00PM AKST by NWS Fairbanks AK
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
Alaska
Winter Storm WarningLassen Volcanic National Park; Sierra Nevada of Sierra-Nevada-Placer Counties Above 5000 ft Including Interstate 80; Sierra Nevada of El Dorado-Amador-Northern Alpine Counties Above 5000 ft Including Highway 50; Sierra Nevada of Calaveras-Tuolumne-Southern Alpine Counties Above 5000 ftUntil Nov 14, 10:00 AM PST
Winter Storm Warning issued November 12 at 12:05AM PST until November 14 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
Check the latest road conditions from Caltrans online at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or dial 5 1 1.
California
Winter Storm WarningGreater Lake Tahoe Area; Greater Lake Tahoe AreaUntil Nov 14, 10:00 AM PST
Winter Storm Warning issued November 12 at 12:33AM PST until November 14 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Reno NV
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
California, Nevada
Winter Storm WarningMonoUntil Nov 14, 10:00 AM PST
Winter Storm Warning issued November 12 at 12:33AM PST until November 14 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Reno NV
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
California
Winter Storm WarningEastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo CountyUntil Nov 14, 4:00 PM PST
Winter Storm Warning issued November 11 at 11:43PM PST until November 14 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Las Vegas NV
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
California
Winter Storm WatchYosemite NP outside of the valley; Upper San Joaquin River; Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge; Kings Canyon NP; Grant Grove Area; Sequoia NPUntil Nov 17, 4:00 AM PST
Winter Storm Watch issued November 11 at 5:33PM PST until November 17 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Hanford CA
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
California
Winter Weather AdvisoryLower Matanuska Valley; Southern Susitna ValleyUntil Nov 12, 5:00 AM AKST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 11 at 11:02PM AKST until November 12 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK
Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.
Alaska
Winter Weather AdvisoryAnchorageUntil Nov 12, 5:00 AM AKST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 11 at 11:02PM AKST until November 12 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK
Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible power outages. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.
Alaska
Winter Weather AdvisorySW Kenai Peninsula; NW Kenai Peninsula; Skilak LakeUntil Nov 12, 5:00 AM AKST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 11 at 11:02PM AKST until November 12 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK
Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible power outages. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.
Alaska
Winter Weather AdvisoryWestern Arctic Coast; Northwest Arctic CoastUntil Nov 12, 4:00 PM AKST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 11 at 2:00PM AKST until November 12 at 4:00PM AKST by NWS Fairbanks AK
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
Alaska
Winter Weather AdvisoryHamilton; Northern Warren; Bennington; Western WindhamUntil Nov 13, 10:00 AM EST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 12 at 12:02AM EST until November 13 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Albany NY
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
New York, Vermont
Winter Weather AdvisoryWestern Essex; Eastern Addison; Eastern RutlandUntil Nov 13, 10:00 AM EST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 12 at 1:20AM EST until November 13 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Burlington VT
Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest on road conditions in Vermont, visit https://newengland511.org and for New York, visit https://511ny.org.
New York, Vermont
Winter Weather AdvisoryBaraga; MarquetteUntil Nov 13, 12:00 PM EST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 12 at 1:32AM EST until November 13 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI
Slow down and use caution while traveling. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.
Michigan
Winter Weather AdvisoryWestern Greene; Western UlsterUntil Nov 13, 1:00 PM EST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 12 at 12:02AM EST until November 13 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Albany NY
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
New York
Winter Weather AdvisoryJohnson; Cocke Smoky Mountains; Southeast Greene; Unicoi; Southeast Carter; Blount Smoky Mountains; Sevier Smoky Mountains; Southeast MonroeUntil Nov 14, 6:00 AM CST
Winter Weather Advisory issued November 11 at 11:09PM EST until November 14 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Morristown TN
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Tennessee
No alerts match these filters.
What to do
General steps from official sources.
Get ready
Now
Check 511 for traffic, road conditions and restrictions before you leave, and share your timetable and your primary and alternate routes. In a winter storm warning, delay travel until conditions improve.
Source: NWS: Before a winter stormA wind chill warning means dangerously low wind chill is expected, which can cause frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid going outdoors if possible.
Source: NWS: Winter watches, warnings and advisories Full guide →Include a phone and charger, blankets or sleeping bags, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, high-calorie food, extra dry clothing and a shovel. Keep the gas tank near full.
Source: NWS: Before a winter storm Full guide →Have a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, extra prescription medication, and food and water that need no cooking or refrigeration.
Source: NWS: Before a winter storm Full guide →
Decide
If conditions worsen
In a blizzard warning, do not travel. If travel is unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help.
Source: NWS: Winter watches, warnings and advisories Full guide →
Ride it out
During
Wear layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing. If the heat goes out, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels in door cracks, and eat and drink to fuel your body's heat production.
Source: NWS: During a winter storm Full guide →Stay in the vehicle and run the engine about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Open a window slightly and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide.
Source: NWS: During a winter storm Full guide →The areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the hands and feet. People exposed to extreme cold can develop hypothermia in a matter of minutes.
Source: NWS: Cold Full guide →Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even with doors and windows open. Run it only outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
Source: CDC: Carbon monoxide
What the winter weather alerts mean
Winter alerts run from a watch (possible within about 48 hours) to a warning (occurring or imminent) and an advisory for less serious but still inconvenient conditions.
Winter Storm Watch
Issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean it will occur, only that it is possible.
Winter Storm Warning
Issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent: heavy snow or sleet, enough ice to damage trees or power lines, or a damaging combination of snow or ice with wind.
Blizzard Warning
Means snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer, together with sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater, are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours. There is no temperature requirement.
Ice Storm Warning
Issued for 1/4 inch or more of ice accumulation.
Winter Weather Advisory
Issued for any amount of freezing rain, or for snow expected to cause a significant inconvenience but not serious enough to warrant a warning.
Freeze Watch and Freeze Warning
A watch is issued when significant, widespread freezing temperatures are possible within the next 24 to 36 hours; a warning when they are expected. Both apply during the growing season.
Frost Advisory
Issued when the minimum temperature is forecast to be 33 to 36 degrees on clear, calm nights during the growing season.
Extreme Cold Warning
Issued when wind chill or temperature is expected to fall to dangerous levels. Previously called a Wind Chill Warning; the Cold Weather Advisory was previously the Wind Chill Advisory.
Example thresholds from NWS Baltimore/Washington: 5 inches or more of snow or sleet for a warning (6 in the westernmost counties), and an Extreme Cold Warning at -10 or colder east of the Blue Ridge. Source: NWS Baltimore/Washington: Watch/Warning/Advisory Definitions. For the full comparison across alert types, see watch vs warning vs advisory.
Key steps from our guides
Each point links to the official page it comes from.
- A winter storm watch means conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm: heavy sleet, heavy snow, an ice storm, or a combination. NWS: Winter watches, warnings and advisories
- In a winter storm warning, travel can become difficult or impossible. Delay travel until conditions improve. NWS: Winter watches, warnings and advisories
- In a blizzard warning, do not travel. If you must, carry a winter survival kit. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help. NWS: Winter watches, warnings and advisories
- Travel is strongly discouraged in an ice storm warning, which is usually issued for about 1/4 inch or more of ice. NWS: Winter watches, warnings and advisories
- A Frost Advisory means areas of frost are expected or occurring, posing a threat to sensitive vegetation. NWS: Cold Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories
- A Freeze Watch means a potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures in the next 24 to 36 hours; it is used in autumn through the end of the growing season and in spring at the start of it. NWS: Cold Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories
- A Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures are forecast to drop below 32°F for a long period; the NWS notes that temperatures below 28°F for an extended time can kill most types of commercial crops. NWS: Cold Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories
- Heavy ice can bring down trees, utility poles and communication towers, and power and communication outages can last days. NWS: Ice and Frost
- Even a thin layer of ice is dangerous to drivers and pedestrians, and bridges and overpasses freeze before other surfaces. NWS: Ice and Frost
- Black ice is a thin, patchy layer on roads that is hard to see, most common in early morning, especially when melted snow refreezes overnight. NWS: Ice and Frost
- Stay in the vehicle. Wind-driven snow and cold can quickly disorient you if you leave. NWS: During a winter storm
- Run the engine about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Open a window slightly and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. NWS: During a winter storm
- At night, turn on the dome light while the engine runs. Tie a bright cloth, preferably red, to the antenna or door. NWS: During a winter storm
- After the snow stops falling, raise the hood to signal that you need help. NWS: During a winter storm
- Close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and close blinds or curtains to hold in heat. NWS: During a winter storm
- Wear layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing, and eat and drink to fuel your body's heat production. NWS: During a winter storm
- Never heat your house with a gas oven. Never burn charcoal or use a portable gas camp stove indoors. CDC: About carbon monoxide
- Never run a generator inside your home or garage, and use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector. CDC: About carbon monoxide
- If a CO alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and call your local fire department. America's Poison Centers: Carbon monoxide
- If you must go out in extreme cold, dress in layers, cover exposed skin and seek shelter from the wind as much as possible. NWS: During extremely cold weather
- Once inside, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet. NWS: During extremely cold weather
- Frostbite signs: numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin. Go to a warm room and warm the area; do not massage it or use a heating pad. Ready.gov: Winter Weather
- Hypothermia, a body temperature below 95 degrees, is an emergency. Signs: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness. Warm the center of the body first and keep dry. Ready.gov: Winter Weather
Winter weather alerts by state
Open a state to see its current warnings, watches and advisories.
Common questions about winter weather alerts
What is a winter storm watch?
Issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean it will occur, only that it is possible.
What is a winter storm warning?
Issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent: heavy snow or sleet, enough ice to damage trees or power lines, or a damaging combination of snow or ice with wind.
What is a blizzard warning?
Means snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer, together with sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater, are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours. There is no temperature requirement.
What is an ice storm warning?
Issued for 1/4 inch or more of ice accumulation.
Do the numbers in the winter alert definitions apply everywhere?
Example thresholds from NWS Baltimore/Washington: 5 inches or more of snow or sleet for a warning (6 in the westernmost counties), and an Extreme Cold Warning at -10 or colder east of the Blue Ridge. Alert thresholds are set by each National Weather Service office, so the numbers can differ where you live. The text of the alert for your location is what applies.
Alert data comes from the National Weather Service and is refreshed every 15 minutes.