Winter weather warnings have been issued in 11 states amid a massive snowstorm that is expected to dump up to five feet of snow in some areas.
The warnings were issued in Virginia, Montana, Maryland, California, West Virginia, Idaho, Nevada, South Carolina, Colorado, Alaska, and Utah.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that travel in these areas may be extremely hazardous.
The heaviest snow accumulations are expected in California, where a warning was issued for heavy snow between 4 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, with snow-covered roads and travel delays expected.
"Heavy snow expected for elevations above 5500 feet. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 feet and up to 5 feet along higher peaks," the National Weather Service said.
The warning was issued for the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada region and Western Plumas County, as well as the Lassen Park Counties. It includes the cities of Chester, Blue Canyon, and Quincy.
But although heavy snow is expected, snowfall will decrease in intensity from late Saturday afternoon into Sunday. This will be followed by heavy snow at times again on Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in Idaho, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. MST Saturday for areas above 7,000 feet in the Sawtooth/Stanley Basin, Sun Valley, and Big Lost Highlands regions, with up to 13 inches of snow expected and wind gusts up to 35mph. Travel may be very difficult, and temporary road closures are possible.
Garrett County in Maryland and Western Highland County in Virginia are also experiencing heavy wet snow and ice, with snow accumulation expected to reach up to an inch and winds gusting up to 40mph. In Virginia, whiteout conditions are anticipated, and roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will become slick and hazardous. Additionally, blowing snow and gusty winds could reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions, including the risk of downed power lines.
In West Virginia, a Blizzard Warning is in effect for Northwest Pocahontas and Southeast Randolph counties until 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by a Winter Storm Warning with up to 24 inches of snow expected. Strong winds could bring down trees and power lines, and travel is expected to be treacherous.
Montana is also seeing heavy snow, with up to 12 inches expected in mountain areas and strong winds causing poor visibility. Travelers are urged to take precautions, as conditions may require tire chains in mountain passes.
Meanwhile, travel disruption is expected in South Carolina, Colorado, Alaska, and Utah where up to 36 inches of snow could fall over the weekend. In Utah, up to 3 feet of snow could fall. Winds of up to 55mph are also expected in the state, while winds of up to 40mph are expected in Alaska and 35mph in Colorado. Power outages are also possible in South Carolina and Utah.
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. The NWS defines hazardous weather as "5 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period" as well as ice accumulation that can damage powerlines and a "life-threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind."
Winter Weather Advisories are less serious and issued when "any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning."
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