Winter Weather Warnings Issued for 9 States as Blizzard Batters California

Warnings have been issued for several states as a massive blizzard continues to sweep across parts of California and Nevada.

A significant winter storm has brought heavy mountain snow and damaging winds to much of the West, including "dangerous" blizzard conditions in the Sierra Nevada, the National Weather Service said in a forecast.

"Conditions in the West, which has been impacted by widespread heavy mountain snows, gusty winds, and a powerful blizzard in the Sierra, should begin to improve by Sunday morning as a moisture plume form the Pacific weakens and the track of upper-level energies shifts northward," the weather service said.

"Winds will wane in intensity, though some additional heavy snowfall is expected through the day."

Here are where blizzard and winter storm warnings are currently in effect:

Alaska

A blizzard warning is in effect for St. Lawrence Island until noon local time on Sunday. The weather service warned that snow and blowing snow will reduce visibility and create difficult driving conditions, with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

California

Blizzard warnings are in effect for the west slope of the northern Sierra Nevada mountains including Interstate 80 and Highway 50 and the Sierra Nevada north of Tulare County. Winter storm warnings are also in effect for parts of California, including the Sierra Nevada foothills above 2,500 feet, the Tulare County portion of the Sierra Nevada and Trinity County. Forecasters warn that people should avoid traveling if possible. If they must travel, they are advised to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency.

Colorado

A winter storm warning is in effect for parts of Colorado, including Rocky Mountain National Park and the Medicine Bow Range, the mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, and the Indian Peaks, until 9 a.m. MST on Monday. Heavy snow and blowing snow is expected, with winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

Montana

A winter storm warning is in effect for Daniels, Sheridan and Northern Valley counties until 6 p.m. MST on Sunday. Forecasters warn that travelers should plan on slippery road conditions and that patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. They also warn that cold wind bills could cause frostbite on exposed skin.

Nevada

A blizzard warning is in effect for the greater Lake Tahoe area until 4 a.m. PST on Monday. Snow accumulations of up to 12 inches are expected, forecasters warn, and winds gusting to 45 mph. The weather service warned that there could be whiteout conditions with almost zero visibility at times due to blowing snow. A blizzard warning is also in effect for Mono County until 10 a.m. PST on Sunday.

North Dakota

A winter storm warning is in effect for Bottineau, Renville, Rolette, Burke, and Divide counties until 6 a.m. CST on Monday. Forecasters say there will be heavy snow with periods of freezing rain and sleet on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, winds gusting as high as 50 mph could bring blowing snow through Sunday night.

Oregon

A winter storm warning is in effect for portions of eastern Curry County and Josephine County until 10 p.m. on Sunday. Snow accumulations of 5 to 13 inches are expected. Forecasters say travel is strongly discouraged due to dangerous conditions.

Utah

Winter storm warnings for parts of Utah, including Utah Valley, eastern Juab and Millard counties and Sanpete Valley, and the Wasatch Mountains are in effect until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Forecasters warned of winter driving conditions, with patchy blowing snow likely to reduce visibility.

A winter storm warning is also in effect for the Central Mountains and Southern Mountains until 5 a.m. MST on Monday, with additional snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches.

Wyoming

Winter storm warnings are in effect for southwest Carbon County and the Elk Mountains until 11 p.m. MST on Sunday, with forecasters warning of dangerous travel conditions due to icy, snow packed roads and reduced visibility due to falling and blowing snow.

A winter storm warning is also in effect for the Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges until 5 a.m. MST on Monday. Heavy mountain snow is expected in the region, with forecasters warning that outdoor recreation could become life-threatening for those not prepared for severe winter conditions.