Winter Storm Warnings Announced for 7 States as 5 Feet of Snow, 80 Winds Approach

The official start of spring is just over a week away, but Punxsutawney Phil may have been right when he predicted six more weeks of winter.

Old Man Winter doesn't seem to be going anywhere just yet as six states were hit with Winter Storm Warnings from the National Weather Service on March 11. Four of those states: Maine, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin will see marginal snowfall up to eight inches while three other states are facing the brunt of a strong winter storm: Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Oregon Facing up to 30 Inches of Snow, More in Montana, Washington

The National Weather Service issued a new series of Winter Storm Warnings on March 11 that predict up to 30 inches of snowfall in Oregon, while Montana and Washington will see at least three feet of snow.

"An already active, wet pattern across the Pacific Northwest into the northern Rockies is not only expected to continue but intensify the next few days as another Pacific system/Atmospheric River moves into the region," the NWS said in a statement. "Very heavy snow is expected for higher elevations of the Olympics/Cascades and northern Rockies, with totals of multiple feet forecast. Gusty winds are also expected throughout the region, prompting Blizzard Warnings for the Cascades and Olympics. Lower elevation/coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest will see waves of moderate to locally heavy rain, with an isolated threat for some flooding. Most interior lower elevations/valleys will see a mix of lighter rain and snow showers, but some more moderate snows are expected for the High Plains of Montana."

Oregon: The Larch Mountain region is expecting to see up to 30 inches of snow and 45 mph wind gusts. "There will be a brief lull in snowfall late Wednesday, but will increase again with heavier precipitation. Heaviest snowfall expected between 5 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, and 5 a.m.-5p.m. Thursday," the NWS predicted.

Montana: In the Southern Clearwater Mountains there is a likelihood of extreme winter storm impacts with total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches in the lower elevations and 30 to 60 inches in the higher elevations. Elsewhere in Montana near Glacier Park, winds are expected to reach 80 mph making travel "treacherous and potentially life-threatening."

Washington: Already pummeled by a winter storm this week, Washington is now in store for additional snowfall up to three feet in the Cascades. The cities of Easton and Roslyn are expected to receive the worst of the strong winds in the region as gusts reach 55 mph.

The Winter Storm Warnings in Oregon end on Thursday, March 12, while the warnings will end in Washington on Friday, March 13. The warnings will continue in Montana through Saturday, March 14.

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