Full List of US Weather Warnings on Election Day

National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued weather warnings across the nation as millions of voters venture out on Election Day.
As of Tuesday morning, winter storm-related warnings and watches stretched from Montana to New Mexico. Critical fire conditions, accompanied by high winds, plagued the California Bay Area, and a torrent of flood-inducing rain continued across the central U.S. In the south, tropical storm warnings were issued for offshore Florida waters amid Tropical Storm Rafael’s approach.
Rain and snow are likely to have the biggest impact on voter turnout, though the worst of the storms are expected to steer clear of the seven swing states that could determine the winner of one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history.
The worst of the winter weather—including winter storm warnings and high wind warnings—is expected in Montana and Wyoming, traditionally red states that former President Donald Trump is unlikely to lose, even if voter turnout falls with the inclement weather. Likewise, despite several red flag warnings and power shut-offs in California to protect against wildfires, windy California conditions probably won’t disrupt Vice President Kamala Harris’ expected success in the Golden State.
Previous forecasts showed possible rain and snow in swing states Michigan and Wisconsin, but as of Tuesday morning, no weather warnings had been issued. Other swing states also were clear of inclement weather, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. The only weather alerts in place for Nevada and Arizona included a wind advisory and a freeze watch.
Republican strategist Mark Weaver previously told Newsweek that voters feel particularly passionate about the presidential candidates this year, meaning inclement weather short of a blizzard is unlikely to keep them from the polls, especially as nearly 80 million people already voted early or through mail-in ballots.
However, some of the most severe weather could have an impact on voter turnout for important Senate and House races, particularly in Montana.
One close Senate race is taking place in Montana between incumbent Jon Tester, a Democrat, and Republican Tim Sheehy. Tester, who has narrowly maintained his seat since 2006, is the only Democrat serving in a statewide congressional office in Montana. With winter storm warnings spanning the state, voters might be convinced to stay home because of the weather, particularly those living in mountainous regions.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible, and tire chains may be required for some vehicles. Those in the backcountry should ensure they are prepared for dangerous conditions,” the winter storm warning said. “Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.”
Several studies have found that while poor weather has a history of impacting voter turnout, it tends to benefit Republicans, particularly for presidential elections.
“In addition to its direct effect on voter turnout, we have shown that bad weather may affect electoral outcomes by significantly decreasing Democratic presidential vote share, to the benefit of Republicans,” one study said.
As of Tuesday morning, the most recent update to polling aggregator FiveThirtyEight showed Sheehy polling nearly 7 points ahead of Tester.
Though Harris is expected to win California, the U.S. House race for California’s 45th Congressional District isn’t as certain.
Multiple NWS alerts are in place for the region, including a red flag warning. Critical fire conditions have prompted Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to require Public Safety Power Shutoffs further north in the Bay Area, though the voluntary shut-offs are unlikely to impact power in the contested 45th District, where Republican Representative Michelle Steel is facing Democrat Derek Tran. Steel maintained her seat by nearly 5 points in the 2022 midterm election, but recent polls this year show Tran in the lead.
Further north, PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith told Newsweek that should power outages occur at two polling places in the Bay Area, the centers have been stocked with backup generators to ensure voters aren’t interrupted. None of the state’s tabulation centers are in the scope of the power shut-offs, though PG&E also has provided backup generators there as well out of an abundance of caution.