Western highways are currently under alert for a major winter storm, expecting as much as 24 inches of snow. This severe weather system has already delivered significant snowfall across multiple states.
Storm Overview
A late-season cold front is impacting 11 states, bringing temperatures well below the mid-April average. The storm began affecting the region on Friday, April 17, 2026. It is pushing eastward from the Cascades and Northern Rockies into Colorado and the Northern Plains.
Snowfall Totals
- Up to 2 feet in the Cascades and Northern Rockies.
- 8-16 inches across Utah and the Colorado mountains.
- 4-8 inches in Yellowstone National Park.
Temperature Drops
- Eastern Wyoming and Colorado: Drops of 40 degrees in 24 hours.
- Conditions in major cities:
- Denver: Experiencing its first snowfall in over a month.
- Cheyenne and Colorado Springs also affected.
Road Conditions and Driving Tips
Drivers are advised to be cautious. Rapid changes in road conditions are expected, particularly on bridges and overpasses. The following corridors are highlighted for especially poor conditions:
- I-90 across Montana
- I-84 through eastern Oregon and Idaho
- I-80 across Wyoming
- I-15 through Utah and Idaho
- I-70 over the Colorado Rockies
All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles require winter-rated tires to handle icy conditions. It is crucial that drivers allow extra time for travel and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles.
Prepare for Icy Conditions
Snow and ice are likely to produce late-evening black ice on roadways that appeared safe earlier in the day. Travelers on I-25 and I-70 should consider pausing their journeys by sunset to avoid the most hazardous conditions.
Future Weather Outlook
The current storm is expected to taper off by Saturday morning, with Colorado seeing the worst conditions as the system exits eastward. However, the National Weather Service indicated that another storm could arrive by Sunday, bringing yet more rain and snow to the West Coast.
Residents and travelers in affected areas should stay updated on evolving conditions and heed warnings from local weather services. More information will be provided as the situation progresses.
