Several feet of snow is expected during the early spring system, which could bring 2025 snowpack levels to “near-normal,” according to Gigi Giralte, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Reno, Nevada office. High winds could create whiteout conditions during the storm’s peak times, making travel in the mountains difficult, Giralte said.

Incoming heavy rain from an atmospheric river-fueled storm that slammed into the West Coast early Wednesday is threatening mudslides and debris flows in Southern California and has already prompted evacuations in the Los Angeles area.

California braced for the arrival of a massive storm on Wednesday, evacuating residents in areas at risk of mudslides and debris flows.

The storm, which forecasters said could produce tornadoes, is expected to strengthen Friday and move towards the central US.