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Around 20 million people across the West and Midwest are under winter weather alerts as a fast-moving storm delivers heavy snow, strong winds, and cold temperatures on Saturday (December 6). Snow showers are currently affecting areas from Montana to the Dakotas, with the weather system expected to shift into Iowa and Minnesota by the afternoon.
Cities like Chicago are experiencing significant snowfall, while the National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for parts of Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Colorado. Mountain areas in these states could receive between 6 to 24 inches of snow, creating hazardous travel conditions throughout the weekend.
In Iowa, snow is expected to accumulate from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, with the heaviest snowfall predicted in northwest and central Iowa. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for most of the state, with a winter storm warning in effect for north central Iowa, where 4 to 7 inches of snow or more could fall.
The storm is also impacting travel in the affected regions, with slippery roads and reduced visibility due to blowing snow. In the higher mountain zones, travel conditions may range from difficult to impossible, and tire chains are advised for several passes, including Kings Hill Pass in Montana and Vail Pass in Colorado.
As the storm progresses, residents are advised to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions. The cold air following the storm will bring even lower temperatures, with highs in the teens and low 20s expected in some areas by Sunday.