A major winter storm, named Jett, is sweeping across the United States, bringing significant snowfall and ice from the West Coast all the way to the Northeast. The storm has already caused hazardous travel conditions, flight cancellations, and numerous weather alerts as it traverses the country.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather advisories for multiple states, warning residents of potentially dangerous conditions. The storm is expected to last from Thursday, February 12, through Sunday, February 14, 2025, impacting approximately 30 states.
High elevation areas on the West Coast, particularly from California to the Sierra Nevada mountains, can expect up to six feet of snow. The NWS reports significant danger on roadways due to snow accumulation, urging travelers to stay indoors as conditions worsen. "If you leave the safety of being indoors, you are putting your life at risk," the NWS cautioned.
California, Oregon, and Washington are some of the hardest hit areas, where Ice Storm Warnings have been issued. Reports indicate significant ice accumulation, with up to 0.76 cm (0.3 inches) expected across the Central and Southern Willamette Valley. The storm will create icy, hazardous conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
Travelers have experienced severe disruptions, with nearly 2,000 flights delayed and more than 220 canceled by Thursday morning alone, according to FlightAware.com. The situation escalated when Interstate 84 westbound near Multnomah Falls experienced multi-vehicle pileups, leading to road closures and significant traffic interruptions.
By Friday evening, the storm will move eastward, affecting central states like Michigan and parts of the Northeast, where snow accumulations of up to 12 inches are expected. Areas most likely to receive heavy snow include central Wisconsin, Michigan, northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. AccuWeather meteorologists predict disruptions at major airports in Detroit and Chicago as the storm hits.
States are already braced for Winter Storm Jett's impact after recently recovering from earlier storms. "Many states are still reeling from the snow, ice and flooding they have weathered over the last several days," noted meteorologists from AccuWeather.
For those traveling across the affected regions, the NWS has warned of icy roads and near-zero visibility. Meticulous preparations are needed to safely navigate these conditions. The Oregon Department of Transportation strongly urges against travel during the storm, emphasizing the need for caution on the roads.
Further south, the storm's warm front is likely to produce torrential rainstorms and flash flood watches along the Gulf Coast, prompting alerts for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes across states like Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
Children are staying home from schools across several districts as closures continue amid safety concerns due to treacherous travel conditions. School officials are monitoring updates and advising families to stay safe during the storm.
The storm is set to track across central states before arriving in the Mid-Atlantic, with significant snow and rain predicted from Kansas City through to Pittsburgh by early next week. The Ohio Valley can expect heavy rains, leading to widespread flood watches.
Even after the storm passes on Sunday, meteorologists anticipate another system forming next week, signaling continued winter woes for the eastern parts of the country. The associated weather will likely bring drier conditions, providing some relief after the harsh winter weather.
Winter Storm Jett exemplifies the unpredictable nature of winter weather across the United States, reminding citizens to remain vigilant and prepared for the unpredictable conditions ahead.