Near-blizzard conditions, thunderstorms to hit US this week

A winter storm is bringing snow and hail to parts of the U.S.
The mountains are expected to see snow and strong winds
Illinois, Indiana and Ohio could see thunderstorms and hail

Updated: Feb 26, 2024 / 12:45 PM CST

A road winds through the snow-covered Rocky Mountains at Hoosier Pass as seen from the air, Monday, April 18, 2022, near Blue River, Colo. Some drought-prone communities in the U.S. West are mapping snow by air to refine their water forecasts. It’s one way water managers are adjusting as climate change disrupts weather patterns and makes current forecasting methods less reliable. (AP Photo/Brittany Peterson)

(NewsNation) — A strong winter storm and cold front will bring heavy snow to parts of the western U.S. valley. As snow levels drop, the cold front creates a risk of dangerous snow squalls, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The cold front is expected to move into the Northwest Monday evening. From there, it will travel southeast into the Northern Rockies, reaching the Central Rockies, according to the NWS.

Snowfall of 1-2 inches-per-hour paired with wind gusts of 50-65 mph will create near-blizzard conditions over the mountains, making travel dangerous.

More than 2 feet of snow is expected in the Cascades through Tuesday, according to the NWS. Snow squalls will likely develop along the path of the cold front Tuesday, bringing with them sudden, heavy snowfall, flash freezes and reduced visibility.

Moderate to heavy snow is expected to begin overnight Monday into Tuesday over northern Minnesota, while light to moderate snow could hit Michigan’s western upper peninsula overnight Tuesday, according to the NWS.

Elsewhere, showers and severe thunderstorms could create lightning, strong wind, hail and tornadoes over parts of the Ohio valley. Northern Illinois and Indiana, as well as Northwest Ohio in particular have an increased threat of two inches or more of hail.