NWS Heavy Snow Warning Today: Up to 2 Feet to Blanket Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming

Last Updated: Apr 28, 2026, 06:17 EDT

The National Weather Service has issued a critical heavy snow warning for the Mountain West, with Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming bracing for up to 24 inches of accumulation. Meanwhile, Memphis weather shifts toward severe thunderstorms as a volatile spring system moves across the United States.

Heavy snow warning issued for the US States.
Heavy snow warning issued for the US States.

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A massive late-season weather system is currently defying the spring calendar, triggering a widespread heavy snow warning across the Western United States. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), an aggressive upper-level energy system moving from the Pacific is set to dump up to two feet of snow across high-elevation corridors. 

The bullseye for this event centers on Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming snow totals, where localized blizzards and 45-mph wind gusts are creating whiteout conditions. While the Rockies face a return to winter, the southern edge of this system is impacting Memphis weather, bringing a sharp transition to severe thunderstorms and heavy rain. Officials urge residents in the Mountain West to prepare for "very difficult to impossible" travel through Tuesday night. 

Which States are under a Heavy Snow Warning Today?

The NWS has highlighted three primary states where the snowfall will be most intense. High-altitude mountain passes and rural communities are expected to see the highest impact as the cold front stalls over the Rockies.

  • Wyoming: The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges are under strict alerts, with Battle Pass projected to receive between 18 and 24 inches of snow.

  • Colorado: Grand Mesa and Skyway are bracing for rapid accumulation, with totals reaching up to 2 feet in peaks above 9,000 feet.

  • Montana: Higher-altitude passes and rural mountain communities are seeing a resurgence of winter-like conditions with visibility dropping to near zero.

Region

Expected Snowfall

Wind Gusts

Impact Level

Battle Pass, WY

18–24 Inches

45 MPH

Extreme

Grand Mesa, CO

12–18 Inches

40 MPH

High

Montana Passes

6–12 Inches

35 MPH

Moderate

Check Out - What are the Snowiest Cities in the United States?

What is the Current Memphis Weather Outlook?

While the West deals with frozen precipitation, the Mid-South is seeing the warm side of this storm system. Memphis weather is currently dominated by high humidity and a series of severe thunderstorm warnings.

According to NWS Memphis, the region is facing:

  • Heavy Rain and Flooding: Successive rounds of storms could lead to localized flash flooding.  

  • Severe Winds: Gusts exceeding 25-30 mph are expected throughout Tuesday night.

  • Tornado Risk: The collision of cold mountain air with warm Gulf moisture has put parts of the Mid-South on alert for isolated tornadic activity.

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How will travel be impacted in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming?

The National Weather Service has issued a stern advisory for those navigating Interstate 80 and high-elevation highways. "Hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers may become disoriented," the NWS Cheyenne office warned, citing the risk of whiteout conditions. 

Because many trees have already begun to bud, the weight of the heavy, wet snow increases the likelihood of snapped branches and localized power outages. 

Drivers are encouraged to carry an emergency kit and check local Road and Track reports before attempting to cross mountain passes in the Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming region. 

Check Out - Which are the Top 7 Snowiest Places on Earth?

As this dual-threat system sweeps across the country, the contrast between the heavy snow warning in the West and the turbulent Memphis weather highlights a volatile spring transition. Residents in affected mountain zones should remain indoors until the system moves toward the Midwest on Wednesday, while those in the South should stay weather-aware for sudden storm escalations.

Harshita Singh
Harshita Singh

Senior Content Writer

Harshita Singh specializes in US affairs and general knowledge, simplifying intricate geopolitical and historical subjects into clear, digestible insights for learners. Holding a BA (Hons) in English from the University of Delhi and with over three years of experience in educational writing, she produces authoritative, thoroughly researched content that empowers readers to engage confidently with global current affairs. For inquiries, you can reach out to her at harshita.singh@jagrannewmedia.com.

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First Published: Apr 28, 2026, 15:47 IST

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