As March continues on, spring nears, but the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of severe weather across areas of the U.S. starting on Sunday, March 8, and going through Wednesday, March 11.

The NWS has issued winter storm warnings and watches for large regions of Washington, Alaska and Montana, with weather experts warning of a snowstorm that’s slated to more than 4 feet of snow to the areas.

Specifically, NWS research says to expect up to 4 feet of snow in areas of Washington, with the Olympics and Cascades getting the heaviest snowfall. According to a report from the National Weather Service in Seattle, “Periods of snow will occur Sunday through Tuesday. Heavy snow is forecast for the Olympics and Cascades Wednesday and Thursday.”

They add that, “Graphics show the probabilities of exceeding 1, 2, 3 and 4 feet of snow from Tuesday through Friday. Monitor forecasts if you’re traveling over the Passes.”

The storm is projected to bring the most snow at higher elevations, even going above 4 feet, and wind gusts of up to 55 mph. Areas of the Alaska and Montana are also being warned of fresh snowfall that will interfere with travel.

Heavy snow of up to one inch per hour is likely through Sunday evening, March 8, “with a brief lull in the afternoon,” the NWS in Spokane adds. “Drive with caution and prepare for wintry travel conditions.”

The NWS also warns that a warmup going into mid-March will bring flooding to other areas of the country that still have snow. “Much of the central to eastern U.S. will continue to see well above average temperatures heading into the weekend with the upper-level ridge in place,” they shared in a post on X. “Above average temperatures are expected to persist for many into next week.”

The NWS adds that “scattered rain and thunderstorms are forecast across much of the East” and “snow is falling across portions of the Rockies, Upper Midwest and New England.”

In a different post, they warn that, “high wind warning and wind advisories are posted for some areas out West” and “severe storms are forecast across the central U.S.”

For safety tips in the severe weather, the NWS says to remember that in inclement weather, staying home and avoiding travel is usually the best move.

If you think it feels warmer than normal this month, that makes sense, because the NOAA says to expect above normal temperature over the next month. The Climate Prediction Center shared on its official website the 30-day forecast, which says to expect a much greater than normal chance for above normal temperatures throughout the U.S. in the month of March.

They also note that above average precipitation is excepted for the Midwest and Central U.S. for the month, with California expecting drier and drought conditions.