New Winter Storm Affects Christmas Travel Across the Country

There’s a new winter storm in the works just in time for the holiday season. Named Dylan, this storm will spread a chilly mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the country — and may affect Christmas travel for many folks, especially those on the roads.

Winter Storm Dylan is already hitting the Cascades and Northern Rockies. From Wednesday to Saturday, the storm will spread snow from the Northwest into the Midwest and parts of the Northeast. In northern parts of the West, Great Plans, Great Lakes, and New England, more than 6 inches of snow is possible.

While this is exciting news for anyone out there who loves snow, it might not be so exciting for those of us who have to travel in it. If you’re planning on traveling on the road within the next few days for the holidays, prepare yourself for what to expect in each region, based on forecasters’ predictions.

Northwest Travel

Many of the major passes in Washington and Oregon will be affected into Wednesday. In Montana, conditions have been particularly dangerous, with meteorologists warning citizens that some travel could be “difficult to impossible.” This isn’t entirely surprising, considering some areas in this region have already seen a whopping 20 inches of snow. Parts of these regions are expected to get another 6 inches.

Great Plains Travel

Snow and gusty winds will arrive in North Dakota, Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin on Wednesday, which will lead to blowing snow and poor visibility when venturing outside. Certain regions may pick up more than 6 inches of snow.

Midwest Travel

The snow moves to the Midwest, particularly the northern Great Lakes region, on Thursday. Sleet and freezing rain are both possibilities in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. In northern Michigan, snow could pile up to more than 6 inches.

Northeast Travel

More snow, along with sleet and freezing rain, will spread into the Northeast and continue on through Friday night. In northern New England, multiple days’ totals could bring more than 6 inches.

Stay safe (and warm!) out there while traveling this holiday season, and be sure to keep a close eye on the changing weather patterns for your local area.

h/t Weather Channel