A potent winter storm is delivering a shot of heavy snow to the higher elevations of the USA’s western mountains on Wednesday, a storm that promises to bring a snowy Halloween to folks in several states.
The snow comes as parts of the central U.S. braces for severe weather Wednesday and the East sees near-record warmth .
Moderate to heavy snow is expected across higher elevations in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado on Wednesday thanks to the potent storm, according to the National Weather Service. Several winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories that were placed earlier this week remain in effect.
In total, about a quarter-million people live in areas under winter weather advisories, according to the National Weather Service on Wednesday. A smaller number, around 15,000, were under winter storm warnings.
Those in the mountain ranges may see up to a foot of snow as colder air combines with high moisture, according to the weather service. Conditions may make traveling difficult, especially in the dark.