Winter storm warnings remain active in 5 states across the U.S., with forecasts calling for up to 24 inches of snow and wind gusts of 70 mph.
While the number of winter storm warnings issued across the U.S. has dropped in recent days, they remain active in 5 states. These warnings call for harsh conditions, including wind gusts of up to 70 mph and snow totals reaching 24 inches.
On February 11, 2026, Newsweek reported on the harsh winter weather that is still affecting the U.S. as winter storm warnings are active in 5 states: Alaska, Maine, Colorado, California, and Wyoming. Those areas of the country face heavy snowfall combined with strong wind gusts that threaten dangerous driving conditions. Those travel hazards are worse in remote or elevated regions of the affected cities, causing roads to quickly become impassable.
California has had a high wind warning issued on top of its winter storm warnings, according to a KESQ News Channel 2 report citing the National Weather Service. The forecasted conditions call for the San Bernardino County Mountains to be struck with wind gusts of up to 70 mph at higher elevations. Additionally, the warning predicts that the Apple and Lucerne Valleys will face similar conditions of 45 to 55 mph winds. It is expected that the gusts could blow down trees and power lines, possibly causing outages, while making travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
The National Weather Service also issued a separate winter storm warning today for California’s Sierra Nevada, including Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows, Shaver Lake, and Huntington Lake. Forecasters expect snow accumulation of up to 24 inches, including what has already fallen, and wind gusts of 50 mph. The warning cautions that traveling in that region can be perilous enough in these conditions that they advise that anyone who must travel be prepared. «If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.»