Severe Winter Storm Hits Western U.S., Disrupting Travel and Power

Heavy snowfall, high winds, and hazardous conditions impact nine states, with Nevada and California among the hardest hit.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for nine states, including California, Nevada, and Colorado, with snowfall totals reaching up to 5 feet in some high-elevation areas.
Nevada's Sierra region faces particularly dangerous conditions, with wind gusts of up to 100 mph and near-zero visibility on mountain passes like Yuba Pass and Fredonyer Summit.
The storm has caused widespread travel disruptions, including delays and cancellations for over 2,000 flights and chain controls on major highways in affected areas.
Authorities warn of potential power outages and tree damage due to strong winds, urging residents to prepare emergency supplies and avoid non-essential travel.
The storm is expected to taper off late Friday evening, but additional storms may be on the horizon, with meteorologists closely monitoring upcoming weather patterns.