Winter Weather Advisory: States Affected and Safety Guidelines

Winter is getting colder all over the United States, and many people are noticing the increase in the number of weather warnings.

There are now many weather warnings with an increasing number of cities across America also issuing weather warnings like the Winter Weather Advisory. The Winter Weather Advisory means to warn you of expected weather conditions to make it potentially dangerous for you to drive. 

Due to an incoming weather system producing snow, mixed precipitation like snow, sleet, freezing rain, and icy conditions across many parts of the U.S., a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for those areas.

Included in the advisory, the hazardous travel conditions, slippery roads, and a reduction in visibility are the major concerns. 

Under the advisory, snowfall amounts will generally be moderate; however, the mixing of ice into the mix will considerably increase risks to both drivers and pedestrians.

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List of Areas Affected 

Here is the list of all the areas affected by the weather advisory: 

Northeast and New England

States on alert include:

• ­New York

• ­Pennsylvania

• ­Massachusetts

• ­Connecticut

• ­Rhode Island

• ­New Hampshire

• ­Maine

Light to moderate snowfall together with icy conditions are occurring in these areas making traveling dangerous;

Great Lakes and Midwest 

• ­Michigan

• ­Nebraska

• ­Ohio

• ­North Dakota

The area of continued snowfall with freezing drizzle makes for very slippery roads causing problems for those commuting through these areas:

Western United States (Mountains and High Elevation Regions)

Winter Weather Advisories are also in effect across portions of:

• ­California

Currently, these mountains will be affected by snowfall, strong winds, and extremely hazardous conditions for travel.

As of February 20th, 2026, residents are urged to pay close attention to the risks posed by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures following a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).

Safety Guidelines for Winter Weather Advisory

1. Avoid Unnecessary Travel

If you must travel don't do so unless it's necessary, as roads may be slippery due to reduced visibility while driving.

In addition, if you have to drive, be sure to slow down and keep a safe distance away from other vehicles so that you are able to give yourself ample amount of time to arrive at your final destination without getting into an accident.

2) Stay Updated with Weather Alerts

Continue checking with your local weather station or NWS for updated advisories and alerts. Weather conditions often change rapidly and knowing what type of weather to expect will help you prepare and react properly in the event that you need to deal with worsening conditions.

3) Prepare Your Vehicle for Emergencies

Whenever possible in any type of weather condition, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that contains: blankets, flashlight, water, food, phone charger, and first aid kit. 

Additionally, make sure that your car does not run out of gas and check to see that your car has functional head lights/brakes.