Snow alert issued for three US states as dangerous conditions expected over weekend

A major snow system is set to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds to parts of the United States, with warnings issued for Colorado, Montana and Wyoming.

According to the National Weather Service, a weather system moving from California towards the Upper Midwest will trigger late season snow across several regions.

“An upper-level energy moving onshore over California on Saturday will move to the Upper Midwest by Monday evening. The system will produce rain with embedded thunderstorms over parts of Northern California and Nevada on Saturday and Sunday,” the NWS said.

“The system will produce late-season light snowfall over the higher elevations of the Northern Rockies, the Northern Intermountain Region, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Central Rockies Saturday into Sunday”, added the agency.

Heavy snowfall is expected in parts of Wyoming, with up to 24 inches forecast in areas such as Battle Pass.

Colorado could also see up to 24 inches in some locations, alongside winds reaching 45 mph.

The NWS warned: “Outdoor recreation could become dangerous to those caught unprepared for hazardous winter conditions. Hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers may become disoriented and lost due to low visibility in falling and blowing snow.”

Officials are advising residents to avoid travel and outdoor activity in affected areas.