Treacherous travel warning for millions as blockbuster blizzard poised to dump up to two feet of sno

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Treacherous travel warning for millions as blockbuster blizzard poised to dump up to two feet of snow across 17 states TODAY

Daily Mail
By CHRIS MELORE
18 February 2026

A massive winter storm is sweeping the US, bringing up to two feet of snow and treacherous travel conditions for millions across the West.

Storm warnings have been issued in California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Alaska, urging residents to stay off the roads due to possible whiteout conditions.

Blizzard alerts have been issued in Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota, where wind gusts of up to 60mph are expected to mix with several inches of snow, making travel unadvisable for anyone but emergency services.

In the Rockies and Southwest, several states are projected to see over a foot of accumulation through Friday.

Eastern California is expected to be the hardest hit, with the Sierra Nevada Mountains set to receive more than five feet of snow.

Parts of Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah are predicted to see over ten inches, but totals could reach two to three feet at higher elevations throughout those states.

Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist, said: 'When this pattern finally wraps up late next week, parts of the Sierra Nevada will end up with 12 to 16 feet of snow.'

National Weather Service (NWS) officials have advised that anyone who must travel during this major storm should keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their car in case of an emergency, an accident or if their vehicle becomes stranded.

(more)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15570703/travel-warning-blockbuster-blizzard-snow-US-weather.html

[libertybele]

Wind gusts of up to 60mph is going to make weather bitter, bitter cold.  I don't envy anyone that's going to get this weather, but when the snow melts later, areas will get some much needed precipitation.

National Weather Service forgot to mention if you have to travel to keep several blankets and an extra coat in your car as well as the flashlight, water and food (most people know this).

[Smokin Joe]

We got between 4-6 inches of snow, preceded by rain/freezing rain/sleet, growing increasingly powdery as the night went on. I was out at 1AM getting the slushy stuff off the walks and steps, a neighbor did the powdery stuff for the whole block (whichever one of us who gets to it first does), so not much left to shovel for me. No major trips to do, so I'm thankfully good, just digging into the walleye stash in the freezer for the start of Lent.