Winter weather is arriving across seven U.S. states Monday, October 26, as falling temperatures bring snow to the Rockies and northern Plains while a separate storm threatens Alaska with up to 16 inches of accumulation and wind gusts reaching 55 mph.
The biggest concern is Alaska, where National Weather Service warnings extend into Monday night. Farther south, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota face varying chances of early-season snow, including a potentially messy Monday around the Black Hills.
Next: New Snow Map Shows US States Facing First Major Snow of Fall
Where Monday’s Snow Could Disrupt Travel
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center identifies the Black Hills and portions of northwestern South Dakota and south-central North Dakota as areas where snow could accumulate Monday.
The timing matters. Temperatures remain marginal for accumulation, meaning snow falling during warmer daylight hours may struggle to stick. Snow arriving before sunrise or after sunset has a better chance of accumulating.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Smerbeck previously warned that the Black Hills could receive several inches, with Rapid City potentially seeing slushy conditions.
But the National Weather Service’s Rapid City forecast is more restrained for the city itself, projecting less than half an inch Monday.
That distinction matters for commuters: Mountain snowfall totals should not be mistaken for expected accumulation in nearby cities.
Next: New Snow Forecast Shows US States Facing Up to a Foot and Freezing Cold
Alaska Faces Up to 16 Inches and Powerful Winds
Alaska faces a substantially more dangerous forecast.
The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has warned that the southern slopes of the central Brooks Range could receive between 8 and 16 inches of snow, with gusts reaching 35 mph.
The agency warns: “Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 8 to 16 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.”
Meanwhile, a separate advisory for Atigun Pass calls for 3 to 6 inches and gusts reaching 55 mph.
The advisory states: “Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility to below one half mile with areas below one quarter mile at times.”
Next: Winter Weather Forecast Shows 15 Inches of Snow, 40 MPH Winds Coming Sunday
What Drivers Should Know Before Heading Out
The immediate concern is road conditions, not simply snowfall totals.
Drivers should check current National Weather Service alerts and state highway reports before leaving, particularly on mountain routes and Alaska’s Dalton Highway.
Even where accumulation remains limited, wet pavement, falling temperatures and reduced visibility could complicate Monday travel.
