Winter Storm Watch in Effect Over parts of Wyoming: Yellowstone with High Winds, Jackson Hole with Possible White Out Conditions

Wyoming is under "Winter Storm Watch" in some areas as Yellowstone is experiencing high winds and Jackson Hole could experience whiteout conditions.

The National Weather Service, Riverton, Wyoming, office has issued a Winter Storm Watch to several areas of Wyoming. Issued at 3:45 AM, Thursday, the urgent winter weather message from the service will be in effect from Friday evening through Saturday evening.

Star Valley, Salt River, Wyoming Ranges, Teton, Gros Ventre Mountains, and Jackson Hole

Periods of heavy snowfall are likely in places like Star Valley, Salt River, and Wyoming Ranges. Whiteout conditions could occur if it is very windy in the mountains. Jackson Hole and the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains will experience the same weather, but preliminary snow accumulations in the mountains are expected to reach totals that could range from 18 to 24 inches, compared to 5 to 10 inches in lower elevations. Whiteout conditions could occur if it is very windy in the mountains.

Meanwhile, the preliminary total snow in the Star Valley, Salt River, and Wyoming Ranges mountains will range from 10 to 14 inches, while in the lower elevations they will range from 5 to 10 inches.

Absaroka Mountains

For the Absaroka Mountains, periods of moderate to heavy snow are possible. 5 to 10 inches of snow could fall overall in the west, and about 3 to 6 inches could fall over the eastern parts of the range. On ridgetops and in open areas, wind gusts could reach 60 mph.

Yellowstone National Park

There may be periods of heavy snow in Yellowstone. 10 to 14 inches of snow could fall overall in the south while 3 to 6 inches of snow could fall over the north, including Mammoth. In the mountains, wind gusts could be as high as 50 mph.

Authorities caution outdoor enthusiasts that it is easy to get lost in the Absakora Mountains and Yellowstone National Park. Hypothermia and frostbite can develop quickly.

Western Okanogan County, Highway 20 Washington Pass

Western Okanogan County may experience significant snowfall, particularly along Highway 20 Washington Pass. There is a chance of between 10 and 20 inches of total snowfall with wind gusts as high as 45 mph at Ridgetop. These areas will be under the Winter Storm Watch from this afternoon until Saturday morning, National Weather Service reports.

Read also: Severe Weather Completes the Week as Texas to Nebraska Face Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Wind Until Friday 

Winter Storm Watch

A blizzard, significant amounts of snow, significant amounts of freezing rain, or significant amounts of sleet are all possible under a winter storm watch. According to FEMA, Winter Storm Watches are typically issued 12 to 48 hours before the arrival of a Winter Storm.

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Long-term exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health issues, according to the CT Department of Public Health. Frostbite and hypothermia are the two most typical cold weather illnesses.

Frostbite is a physical injury brought on by freezing. While frostbite is serious, hypothermia is worse. The human body starts to lose heat more quickly than it can generate when exposed to cold temperatures. The body's reserves of energy will eventually be depleted by prolonged exposure to the cold. Hypothermia, which is low body temperature reaching abnormal levels, is the result.

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