Coast-to-coast winter storm to impact millions this week 

A coast-to-coast winter storm is set to sweep the U.S. this week, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, cold temperatures, sleet, and freezing rain, as well as possible blizzards to more than 35 states and 31 million Americans. 

The storm is already affecting some cities across the West Coast, with snow and rain falling along the Pacific Northwest. Winter Storm Warnings have been set in place from Washington to California. 

“Storm total snowfall will likely be measured in feet for many of the mountain ranges across the West,” the Weather Prediction Center said, adding that some of the highest elevations could see up to three feet of snow through Tuesday.

After Tuesday, the storm is expected to move throughout California and the Great Basin, as well as parts of the Rockies and the Midwest, bringing rain, snow, and winds. Blizzard Warnings are in effect in several parts of Wyoming, as well as Winter Storm Watches from Arizona to the Upper Midwest. 

“The coldest storm of the season, and possibly of the last several years is expected to impact southwest (California) Wed-Fri or Sat with showers across coasts and valleys with mainly snow across the mountains and deserts,” the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles tweeted Sunday.

“Snow or graupel may even occur across some elevated valleys!” Graupel refers to snow pellets resembling soft hail.

From Wednesday through Thursday, the storm is expected to pound the Midwest and the Great Lakes Region with up to two feet of snow and 50 mph wind gusts. 

Some areas further south such as Dallas, Little Rock, Shreveport, and Memphis might also expect heavy rain and strong winds, as well as potential hail. Flood advisories were issued in several areas, including the Mississippi Valley and Tennessee Valley.

By the end of the week, the storm will hit the Northeast and New England. While the exact timing of when the storm will arrive in the Northeast, residents could see destructive ice accretion and snow.  

Individuals living or working in the states that are in the storm’s path should expect significant impacts on air travel and road closures.