Weather Alert: 8 States Brace for Up to 6 Inches of Snow and Possible Power Outages

As winter starts making itself known, folks in eight U.S. states are gearing up for some fast-changing weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) has fired off alerts about snow, frost, and hard freezes that could really shake up daily routines. With slick roads up north and the possibility of garden damage out east, these conditions call for some smart prep.

Snow And Freeze Alerts In Several States

This winter’s kick-off comes with shifting weather patterns affecting Alaska, Colorado, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Massachusetts. In central Alaska, spots like the Chena Hot Springs Resort and the Chena Hot Springs Road east of milepost 34 are under watch. Forecasts call for about three to five inches of snow here, and similar conditions are on tap along parts of the Steese Highway up to roughly mile marker 90 and in higher areas of the White Mountains.

Over in the Northeast, freeze warnings cover parts of New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire where temperatures could dip into the upper 20s and low 30s. Meanwhile, frost advisories extend to northern and central Pennsylvania, southern Maine, western Massachusetts, and Colorado’s central and southern San Luis Valley.

What This Means For Travel And Plants

Snow buildup—up to six inches at higher elevations—combined with freezing temps is bound to stir up some challenges. Roads in snowy zones will be picking up a layer of ice as surface temps drop below the flurries, making bridges and shaded curves slippery and raising the odds of mishaps.

It’s not just the roads feeling the chill. With freeze and frost warnings stretching eastward, plants and outdoor systems aren’t getting off easy either. Pipes and crops might suffer from the cold that can freeze valves or even crack fittings in outdoor plumbing. The NWS says these warnings stick until Thursday morning.

What The Forecast Looks Like

For those in Alaska, alerts run from 2 p.m. Thursday through 10 p.m. AKDT Friday. Expect moderate to heavy snow in spots like the White Mountains, with big amounts near Steese and Eagle Summits as well as in the Upper Chatanika Valley from Thursday night into Friday. Down lower, there might be a mix of sleet or freezing rain glazing intersections.

After the current cold snap on Thursday night, it looks like temperatures will warm up over the weekend into midweek, with highs climbing into the 70s or even approaching 80°F.

Tips To Get Ready

Residents should start taking steps to handle the wintry mix. Mapping out routes ahead of time can help dodge any surprises, and covering plants might give them a fighting chance against frost. Drivers are wise to ready their cars for winter by checking tire treads, topping off washer fluid, and packing traction aids, an ice scraper, plus some warm clothes within arm’s reach.

• Gardeners, consider shielding your delicate plants with covers, and if you own your home, think about insulating your outdoor spigots.
• Pets should be kept indoors when it gets chillier at night, and moving sensitive items into a garage can help safeguard them too.

Keeping Up With The Latest

Local NWS offices are on top of things, offering regular updates online and on social media to keep everyone in the loop about shifting advisories. For example, Burlington’s office mentioned a freeze warning combined with a frost advisory affecting parts of its area, while meteorologist Mark Pellerito from Binghamton forecasted brisk Thursday nights with temperatures dipping into the low-to-mid 30s.

Staying connected through these channels—and taking the above precautions like checking policies for school or work start times—can help residents ride out this early winter safely, without too many surprises throwing off the day-to-day.

With winter settling in earlier than usual across much of the U.S. this year, it’s a solid reminder to stay prepared as we face unpredictable weather in the coming days.