Winter Storm Warning Announced for States Getting Extra 15 Inches of Snow

It's been an usually cold and snowy month, and on Sunday, December 14, the National Weather Service issued more winter weather warnings and winter weather advisories across the U.S.

While areas of the Midwest and Northeast are getting especially hit with heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures, other areas of the country, such as Washington and Oregon, have been dealing with flooding. Now, just when it seemed like the weather was taking a break, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued new winter storm warnings for a handful of areas of the U.S. that are expected to get blasted with another round of snow, up to 15 inches, through Monday.

States Expecting Additional Snowfall

According to the NWS alerts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and Alaska are expected to get additional snowfall from Sunday, December 14, into Monday, December 15.

Areas of Pennsylvania are looking at an upwards of 12 inches of additional snow, as well as strong winds of 35 to 45 mph. The majority of the snow will fall in western Pennsylvania and the higher elevations of Westmoreland.

The NWS in Pittsburgh told residents on Sunday, "This morning we transition to lake effect snow showers. Most of the significant additional accumulations today & tonight will occur north of Pittsburgh, especially across NW PA where 2-3" additional (and an isolated 4-5") is possible."

For West Virginia, expect an additional snow in the northern panhandle, as well as areas of central, southeast, southern and western West Virginia.

New Jersey is looking at between four and six inches of fresh snow in the central, northern and southern areas. Western Garrett County in Maryland is looking at between 4 and 10 inches of snow and 35 mph wind gusts, and in Hyder, Alaska, which always gets hit with big snow, expect between 11 and 15 inches of snow falling through Monday.

Local Areas Issue Weather Warnings to Residents

On Sunday, the National Weather Service for Pittsburgh warned residents to stay inside unless they absolutely have to go outdoors.

"Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers," they said in a statement. "Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat."

They added, "Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat."