Winter Storm Warnings Emerge as Heavy Snow and 45 mph Winds Threaten Multiple States

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across several states. Parts of Alaska and the Upper Midwest are forecasted to see up to 14 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 45 mph. The system is also expected to bring hazardous travel conditions.

Which 7 States Are Under a Winter Storm Warning

On February 28, 2026, Newsweek reported that the National Weather Service had issued winter storm warnings for parts of Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. While conditions differed depending on the state and region, a combination of heavy snowfall and powerful winds posed risks across the board.

The city of Hyder, Alaska, is facing the heaviest snowfall forecast, with between 11 and 14 inches of snow expected to fall between noon Saturday and noon Sunday. Other regions of the state, like Juneau, were also expected to deal with up to 12 inches, and some Panhandle locations could see 10 inches. Importantly, all of the other states named in Newsweek's report were also expected to have areas where inches of snow would drop. The storm's path brought moisture from the Gulf of Alaska, which explains why there are higher totals there than in the drier Upper Midwest states that were also named by the outlet.

Newsweek's article also details powerful winds that are expected to affect areas of Alaska. Along the Central Beaufort Sea Coast, wind gusts of up to 45 mph have been forecasted. Additionally, Sitka and parts of the southern Panhandle could be struck by up to 35 mph winds, at the same time that as much as seven inches of snow falls.

Heavy snow combined with gusty winds can quickly lead to whiteout conditions, where visibility drops sharply, and driving becomes extremely hazardous. Newsweek highlighted that slippery roads in North Dakota were a key concern. Men's Journal's automotive writer, Brian Iselin, has written an expert guide on preparing your vehicle and yourself to drive safely during winter storms.

Iselin recommends allowing for extra travel time to avoid rushing and making mistakes on slick roads. He also suggests checking your tire pressure, clearing snow from wheel wells, topping up your anti-freeze washer fluid, and testing that windshield wipers are in working condition. For owners of modern cars with driver-assist features like cameras and sensors, he warns that snow and road spray can make that tech unreliable. Finally, he suggests bringing a winter travel safety kit with essentials like blankets, a shovel, a flashlight, and snacks in case you're stranded.