The Sierra Nevada is bracing for "life-threatening blizzard conditions" on Friday ahead of a forecast of heavy snows that could bury parts of northern California and Nevada while also triggering deadly road conditions.
Forecasters say the winter storm will cause "whiteout blizzard conditions" and travel will be "extremely dangerous to impossible."
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for parts of Nevada and northern California until Sunday morning and a winter storm warning until at least Saturday afternoon. A high wind warning was also issued in Nevada through Saturday morning.
"If you haven't chosen to stay in for the weekend, prepare for life-threatening travel conditions as our next weather-maker takes over," the NWS wrote.
Snow levels could reach up to 10 feet in high elevation areas above 7,000 feet. Other areas above 6,000 feet could accumulate up to 8 feet of snow. Lower areas, including Lake Tahoe, could see up to 6 feet of snow.