National Weather Service Issues 'Urgent' Winter Storm Warning as 14 Inches of Snow, 60 MPH Winds Approach

It has already been an eventful winter when it comes to winter weather, and it sounds like some parts of the country are expected to get hit hard by some heavy snow and dangerous winds this week.

On the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 24, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a series of "urgent" Winter Weather warnings for a few regions of the country, warning of incoming snow and wind over the next few hours and days.

The warnings are especially pertinent for those planning holiday ski trips or hiking trips in some mountain regions.

Maine/New Hampshire

On Wednesday morning, the NWS issued a winter weather warning for south central, southwest, and western Maine, as well as northern New Hampshire, predicting that those areas could get snowfall reaching up to 14 inches by Wednesday afternoon.

“Periods of moderate and heavy snow will combine with low visibility to create dangerous driving conditions,” the NWS warned in its advisory. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute as well as holiday travel.”

The advisory goes through Wednesday at 1 p.m., and the NWS warns that this could impact holiday travel.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the NWS warned.

California

Parts of California, especially those in high elevations in the Yosemite National Park region, are expected to see some heavy snowfall over the next few days, combined with some strong winds.

The NWS warns that some areas could get between 4 and 8 feet of snow and 60 mph winds, lasting until Friday night, which could cause "whiteout conditions."

Other areas, like the Greater Lake Tahoe area, could get up to two feet of snow (with up to five feet expected above 5,000 feet) and 50 mph winds. Winds up to 100 mph are likely along the top ridges until Friday morning.

“The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages,” the NWS warned in its advisory. “Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult to impossible.”

Idaho

Parts of Idaho are expected to see some heavy winter weather this week, especially those at higher elevations. The NWS warns of several feet of snow and wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour in some areas of the state through Thursday.

"Heavy snow expected," the NWS wrote in its advisory. "Total snow accumulations of around 5 inches to 1 foot at elevations 6500 feet to 8000 feet. Above 8000 feet expect 1 to 2 feet of snow. For highest peaks, up to 3 feet of snow is likely. For Galena Summit about 1 foot of snow is expected. Accumulations in Ketchum and Sun Valley will be much lower at 2 inches or less. Winds gusting as high as 35 MPH."

Obviously, this could make travel difficult during the holiday season.

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible, mainlyover Galena Summit and in backcountry areas. Expect blowing and drifting snow," the NWS warned.