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Meteorologists in California are urging potential travelers to avoid the Sierra Nevada Mountains this weekend amid what’s expected to be an “extremely dangerous” snowstorm.

The active, widespread blizzard-like conditions could begin as early as Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. The storm was expected to bring heavy snow and low visibility, making travel near impossible in the Northern Sierra Mountains.

For areas higher than 5,000 feet in elevation, as much as five-to-10 feet of snow is expected through Sunday afternoon. At mountain peaks, snowfall could reach 12 feet.

The NWS’s official blizzard warning was activated Thursday morning and lasts until Sunday.

NWS Blizzard warnings
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning across the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. (National Weather Service)

In the Central and Southern California mountains, the NWS still issued a winter storm warning with heavy snow still expected.

“If you’re going anywhere to the mountains, take chains, make plans and keep in touch with the weather at all times,” KTLA 5’s Mark Kriski said. “It could change on a dime.”

The combination of high winds and heavy snow makes for extremely dangerous travel conditions, the NWS said.