‘Historic’ September Winter Storm Blankets Parts of the U.S. in Snow

The Rocky Mountains in Colorado

Summer-like weather is expected midweek in many parts of the country but that didn’t stop a winter storm from hitting seven states with up to 3’ (91 cm) of snow.  The storm brought record low temperatures, high winds, and dangerous blizzard conditions that continued into Monday.

Heavy snow was reported in parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.    The storm was severe enough for the National Weather Service to call it “historic.”

“Many daily record low maximum temperature records are possible through Monday, especially across the Northern Great Basin, Rockies, and Northern California,” the weather service said in a statement.

The blizzard-like conditions caused downed trees and power lines, resulting in hazardous travel conditions in many parts of the region.  The city of Spokane recorded its first September snowfall since 1926 and other parts of northeastern Washington got over a foot of the white stuff. In Oregon, the National Weather Service recorded wind gusts of up to 55 mph (89 km/h) with damage to trees and property.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)