Travel is being discouraged or, in some cases, restricted in certain states.
According to The Weather Channel, there have been more than 160 wind damage reports with gusts as high as 144 mph across the western U.S.
Atmospheric rivers are forecasted to impact Oregon, California and Washington state, which is still recovering from record flooding.
Heavy rain and mountain snow are expected north of the Bay Area and into the northern Rockies.
Wind gusts near 100 mph are blasting western SD this morning around the dangerous 982 mb cyclone in northern MN. KRAP PK Wind 82 knots (94 mph).#sdwx #mnwx #ndwx #newx pic.twitter.com/Ep5dpTpaRo
— Greg Postel (@GregPostel) December 18, 2025
An emergency remains in effect in Washington state through Dec. 22, granting regulatory relief for commercial vehicles and immobilizing state and national guards.
Evacuations were ordered, and extensive infrastructure damage is ongoing. Road closures include 42 miles of U.S. Highway 2.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has urged against non-essential travel if possible and plan for driving conditions.
“Power outages may affect traffic signals, highway message signs and TripCheck cameras,” ODOT said. “Travelers should expect delays to continue throughout the day as cleanup and repairs progress. Road conditions, closures and impacts are changing quickly.”
Portions of several state highways remained closed in Oregon as of Thursday, Dec. 18.
State routes were also closed in Montana, where blizzard conditions were reported.
Montana DOT issued a wind alert, noting the possibility of wind gusts up to 100 mph.
Travel conditions across the nation are available on this Land Line resources page.
The Idaho Transportation Department said extreme winds and thunderstorms have caused traffic impacts, including downed trees and power lines and toppled trucks.
“Crews across the state are working around the clock to be able to get roads open safely,” ITD said. “ITD strongly encourages people to limit travel during this time.”
Precautionary road closures were enacted in Colorado, where wind gusts exceeded 100 mph, the Denver Post reported. More than 100,000 customers were without electricity as of Thursday, Dec. 18. LL.
The American Red Cross of Colorado will be opening charging centers for those affected by today’s power shutoffs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at:
– Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226
– Evergreen Library, 5000 County Highway 73, Evergreen, CO 80439 https://t.co/ThrMTnhJMB— American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming (@COWYRedCross) December 17, 2025
Credit: Source link
