Winter Storm Warning Affecting 18 States Predicts Possibility of 80+ Mph Winds and 3 Feet of Snow
As the winter season continues to pick up steam, another winter storm warning from the National Weather Service has revealed harrowing details of severe weather that could be coming. The warning informs the public about harsh blizzard conditions that are set to include severe winds, whiteout conditions, heavy snowfall, and a serious travel advisory. If that wasn't enough, the warning also reveals that the possibly incoming snow and wind could be extremely destructive.
Thanks to the possible severity of the weather conditions, officials are warning residents of possible damage to their homes, power outages, and trees being damaged. As a result, it seems wise for residents of the possibly affected states to track all weather updates and take all available precautions.
National Weather Service Warns a Major Winter Storm Hitting the Northwest, Rockies, & Plains Could Include Dangerous Winds and Snowfall
On December 16, 2025, the National Weather Service Prediction Center's X account warned of a major incoming winter storm hitting the Northwest, Rockies, & Plains between that night and December 19, 2025. Since all three of those regions were included in the warning, that means that 18 states could be affected. Those states include Colorado, Oregon, Washington Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota.
The NWS's warning on X stated that the storm could result in powerful and destructive wind conditions that could reach 50 to 70 miles per hour throughout the Northwest, Northern and Central Rockies, and the Northern Plains. However, they warn that wind speeds could exceed 80 miles per hour in higher peaks, especially on their Eastern slopes. As a result, the agency warns of "numerous power outages, scattered tree and roof damage and dangerous travel conditions for high-profile vehicles."
In addition to the wind possibly causing havoc, the affected states could also be facing blizzard conditions. The aforementioned warning states that the Northern Plains could face enough snow and wind to cause whiteout conditions. They are also informing residents that the lack of visibility could affect people seeking to move around in the High Plains because it "will cause extremely hazardous travel" conditions.
Finally, the NWS's warning included details about the fact that it has previously been reported that up to 36 inches of snow is predicted to hit the Cascades and Northern Rockies. That snowfall is expected to rock that region between December 16 and December 19, 2025.
⚠️ Tonight through Friday: A major Winter Storm crosses the Northwest, Rockies, & Plains. 50-80+ mph wind gusts & periods of heavy snow bring major impacts: power outages, tree damage, & extremely hazardous travel. pic.twitter.com/uF9DCtCdIB
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) December 16, 2025
It is important to note that some of the states that could be affected by these winter storm conditions may escape the harsh-sounding conditions described in the National Weather Service's warning. They are all included here because they fall into the regions that the warning specifically mentions, so their residents should be aware of the conditions that might be coming their way.