Winter Storm Troy Spreading Snow From Rockies to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest; Blizzard Conditions Possible (FORECAST)

March 29,2016



 
Winter Storm Troy will spread snow from the Rockies into parts of the northern Plains and the Upper Midwest through Thursday.
(MORE: How Winter Storms Are Named)
The snow is being caused by a slow-moving southward dip in the jet stream in the West and its associated low pressure system in the lower atmosphere. Strong winds associated with that area of low pressure in combination with the snow may result in blizzard or near-blizzard conditions for parts of the northern High Plains. Travel conditions will be difficult or impossible in some locations.

Current Radar

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches, winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories for parts of several states from western South Dakota and western Nebraska westward to Utah and Nevada. In addition, blizzard warnings and watches have been issued for a small part of north-central and eastern Wyoming.

Winter Weather Alerts

Moderate to heavy snow from Troy affected the Reno, Nevada, area Monday morning, making for very hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service in Reno reported a storm snowfall total of 9.5 inches, while the airport saw 6.3 inches. In Utah, the peaks of the northern Wasatch Mountains have seen 20 inches or more of total snow as of early Tuesday. A full list of snowfall reports can be found at the bottom of this article.
(MORE: Snow Causes Travel Problems in West)
Below are the latest forecast details on Troy.

Winter Storm Troy Impacts

• Over a foot of snow possible in Rockies: The higher elevations of the central and northern Rockies from Colorado, northern Utah and northeast Nevada into southern Montana will see storm totals of at least a foot. Multiple feet of snow will pile up near the highest peaks. A foot or more of snow is also likely in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
• Other Areas: Higher valleys and the adjacent High Plains of Wyoming could see up to 6 inches or more of snow. Most lower valley locations in the West such as Salt Lake City will see minor snow accumulations. Some light accumulating snow may also extend east into northeast Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan by Thursday.
• Power Outages, Tree Damage Possible: Parts of the Rockies to southeast Montana, Wyoming, western South Dakota and western Nebraska could see power outages and tree damage due to the heavy, wet nature of the snow and strong winds.
• Poor Visibility, Dangerous Travel: A combination of snow and strong winds will make for dangerous driving conditions along Interstate 90 from western South Dakota to Wyoming and southeast Montana later Tuesday into Wednesday. Interstate 80 from western Nebraska to Wyoming may also be impacted significantly by snow and wind. Snow-covered roads will also make for hazardous travel throughout the Rockies.

Total Snowfall Forecast Through Thursday

Below is a daily breakdown of how the forecast is setting up.

Tuesday-Tuesday Night: Snow in Rockies; Rain Changes to Snow in High Plains

Snow continues through the day over parts of northeast Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, southern Idaho and Montana. A mixture of snow and rain is expected in some valley locations.
While snow is first confined to the highest elevations in Colorado on Tuesday, colder air eases in, gradually lowering snow levels.
Rain will also change to snow Tuesday night in the High Plains of Wyoming, western South Dakota and western Nebraska. Blizzard or near-blizzard conditions may develop in those areas.
Cities: Elko | Twin Falls, Idaho | Billings

Tuesday's Forecast

Wednesday-Wednesday Night: Snow Continues in Rockies and High Plains; Spreads to Upper Midwest

As low pressure ejects into the Plains on Wednesday, colder air will continue to sink south across the Rockies and High Plains.
Rain may mix with and change to snow in parts of the Denver metro area, though no significant accumulations are expected.
Heavy snow remains possible over much of the central Rockies from Colorado to Wyoming. Wet snow and strong winds will target parts of western South Dakota and western Nebraska, leading to poor travel conditions.
Rain will change to snow in parts of Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan Wednesday night.
Cities: Cheyenne | Denver | Scottsbluff

Wednesday's Forecast

Thursday: Snow Lingers in the Upper Midwest

Into Thursday, as the low moves into the Upper Midwest, snow from Troy should taper off across the Rockies and High Plains. That said, a separate weather system may bring more snow to those areas during the day.
Farther east, light snow will impact parts of Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and western Michigan.

Thursday's Forecast

Winter Storm Troy Snow Reports So Far

California: 9 inches in Chilcoot; 6 inches in Kingvale
Idaho: 12 inches near Malta; 6 inches in Burley
Nevada: 12 inches near Windfield Springs; 9.5 inches at Reno-NWS
Utah: 21 inches at Brighton Crest; 6 inches in Logan
Wyoming: Up to 11 inches estimated in the mountains of Fremont and Lincoln Counties; 4.5 inches in Riverton

PHOTOS: Winter Storm Troy