Winter Storm Warnings Hit 4 States With 20 Inches of Snow and 95 MPH Winds
Over the next several hours, four states will face some truly harsh and destructive winter weather conditions. Residents of the affected areas can expect some extremely powerful winds and heavy snow buildups.
How Much Snow Is Expected in the Hardest-Hit Areas
On February 9, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning for 10-20 inches of snow in Montana's Cooke City area and the surrounding mountains. Separately, the NWS predicted that between 11 and 17 inches of snow would affect the Northern Bristol Bay Coast and Western Capes areas of Alaska. The high-elevation areas on Hawaii's Big Island could also see 10 to 16 inches.
With so much snow on the way, clearing driveways and walkways matters. However, that is an activity that some people should avoid. A Men's Journal report based on cardiologist advice warns that age isn't the only factor that decides whether someone can safely shovel snow. As the article explains, risk factors like being over 65 years old, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can all make shoveling dangerous.
Powerful 95 MPH Winds Are Forecasted
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On February 9, 2026, the National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for Alaska's Adak and Atka areas. Even though Alaska is known for intense weather conditions, this warning called for brutal southeast wind gusts of between 55 and 95 mph until noon on February 10. Another warning also called for up to 70 mph winds to cover Arlington, Bordeaux, and Elk Mountain in Wyoming.
The previously described Montana and Hawaii snow warnings also include predictions for strong winds. Gusts reaching 50 mph are expected near Montana's Cooke City, and up to 60 mph winds will strike in Hawaii's high-elevation zones.
These warnings highlight serious winter conditions that are expected to affect Montana, Alaska, Hawaii, and Wyoming. For example, the warnings that combine heavy snowfall with extreme winds are expected to create whiteout effects that can make travel very difficult and dangerous. Everyone in the affected areas should take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.