Major winter storm drives snow, heavy rain across U.S.

A major winter storm system that swept across the western U.S. during the weekend is expected to continue across the country this week. More than 15 million people across 14 West and Midwestern states were under winter weather advisories or winter storm warnings Monday morning. Some of the Sierra Nevada and other parts of California received heavy snowfall on Saturday and Sunday, and authorities on Saturday closed portions of Interstate 80 in Northern California due to strong wind and limited visibility. Snowfall has reached levels typically recorded in late winter, according to the National Weather Service. 

How is the storm expected to develop this week? Whiteout and blizzard conditions have been forecast for Tuesday across the Midwest. Parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas could experience severe thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday. The National Weather Service warned that the storms could produce tornadoes, high winds, and hail. The East Coast is expected to experience cooler temperatures, snow, and rain toward the end of the week. 

Dig deeper: Listen to Steve West share memories of past snow days from WORLD readers and listeners.