Winter Storm Warnings for 8 Feet of Snow, 55 mph Winds Emerge

As February continues on, spring gets closer, but the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of severe weather across portions of the U.S. starting on Sunday, Feb. 15, and running through Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The NWS has issued winter storm warnings and watches for large portions of California, with weather experts warning of a snowstorm that's on target to bring up to 8 feet of snow to areas of the state.

California Looking at Up to 8 Feel of Snow

Specifically, NWS research has projected up to 8 feel of snow to fall along mountain passes. According to a report from Action News Now, "Caltrans has issued a warning to motorists about a significant winter storm expected to affect travel across the Sierra Nevada starting on Presidents Day, February 15."

They add that, "A winter storm watch is in effect from Feb. 15 to Feb. 18. While the exact timing and snowfall amounts remain uncertain, there is high confidence in a major snowstorm."

The storm is estimated to bring 4 to 8 feet of snow at higher elevations and wind gusts of up to 55 mph.

"Motorists are urged to monitor the NWS forecast for updates and avoid traveling through the Sierra Nevada if possible," Action News Now adds. "For those who must travel, preparation is key, including having chain controls, additional travel time, and delays in mind."

Areas of the Southeast and Southern Plains Warned of Flooding

The NWS also warns that other areas of the country will get pounded with rain. "This weekends storm will bring an excessive rainfall risk to many across the central and southern U.S., Friday through Sunday," they shared in a post on X. "Parts of the southern Plains have been placed under a marginal risk (level 1 of 4) for excessive rainfall and flash flooding today."

The NWS adds, "A slight risk (level 2 of 4) is in place for parts of ArkLaTex into the Mid-South on Saturday. A marginal risk (level 1 of 4) is in place across much of the Southeast on Sunday."

In a separate post, they warn that yet another storm system "will bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flooding threats to portions of the Southern Plains today, the Lower Mississippi Valley Saturday, and the Southeast into the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday."

As for safety tips, the NWS says to remember, "If you come across flooded roadways, turn around, don't drown."

February Weather Typically Fluctuates, Weather Experts Say

If you think this month's weather is wacky, just remember that it's always that way. The NOAA shared on their official website that, "It's not just Valentine’s Day that often sees drastically different weather conditions from year-to-year. Throughout February we often endure atmospheric swings as meteorological winter comes to a close in the Northern Hemisphere."

They also note that, "Climatologically speaking, February is the third coldest month of the year—with December and January typically being colder."