Winter storm warnings for five states ahead of Election Day

Winter storm warnings are in effect as at least five states will see snow on Election Day.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that heavy snowfall of up to 24 inches is possible in Montana, New Mexico, Washington, Idaho and Colorado.

The NWS warns that wintry driving conditions will develop in these areas and urges residents to avoid travel to affected areas if possible.

More from Newsweek Vault: 5 Steps to Build an Emergency Fund Today

Past election trends show that snow, rain and even cold temperatures correlate with low voter turnout.

Newsweek emailed the NWS Monday morning seeking comment.

Election Day winter storm warnings are in effect across Montana and Washington, while weather warnings for Colorado, New Mexico and Idaho are scheduled to end today.

More from Newsweek Vault: Online Banks vs. Traditional Banks: Learn the Differences

In Montana, northern slopes are expected to see snow accumulations totaling 24 inches in the Little Belt and Highwood Mountains, with wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour.

Driving over mountain passes in this area may require snow chains, the NWS warns.

Snow is also expected elsewhere in Montana in the West Glacier region, Clearwater Mountains, Cascade County, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County.

More from Newsweek Vault: What is an Emergency Fund?

In the latter four counties there are warnings that commutes could be severely affected on Tuesday morning and evening and strong winds could bring down tree branches.

The NSW Weather Forecast Office for Great Falls, Montana, has put a blizzard warning in effect for the Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountains until 8am Tuesday, warning that whiteout conditions and wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour are expected.

In Washington state, heavy snow warnings are in effect for areas including Western Chelan County, Central Panhandle Mountains and West Slopes North Cascades.

Across the West Slopes North Cascades area and the Passes-West Slopes North Central Cascades, the NWS warns that visibility could drop to below a quarter mile due to falling snow and that travel could be nearly impossible due to 12 to 18 inches expected out Snow.

Heavy snow is already falling across northeastern Colorado, central Idaho, and northern and central New Mexico.

In the Island Park and West Yellowstone regions of Idaho, NSW Pocatello reported between 10 and 20 inches of snow fell on Sunday night. The NSW warns that gusty winds could lead to drifting snow in the Pocatello region, particularly on Monday evening when winds are expected to be at their strongest.

In Colorado, between 12 and 18 inches of snow is expected to fall on the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains on Monday, November 4th.

Additionally, Alaska, Wyoming and Oregon have winter weather warnings in place for Election Day, issued for conditions less severe than winter storms.

A winter weather warning means there is at least an 80 percent chance of minor impacts due to winter conditions during the weather warning period.

In affected areas, NSW advises that if travel is necessary, travelers should have an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.

For current road conditions for each state, call 511.