The western United States is bracing for a stormy week as a series of powerful storms approaches the region, bringing heavy rain to coastal and low-lying communities, as well as significant snowfall in higher elevations. From California to Washington State, residents are preparing for drenching rains and feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada and Cascades.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a storm system originating from the Pacific Ocean is expected to reach the West Coast on Tuesday. This system will bring periods of rain to coastal and lower elevations of the Pacific Northwest and California, with the potential for heavy snowfall in the higher elevations.

In the mountains, including the Northern Coastal Ranges, Klamath Mountains, and Sierra Nevada, moderate to locally heavy snow is anticipated, with initial snow totals ranging from 6 to 12 inches starting on Tuesday. However, as the series of storms continues, these totals are expected to increase.

Meteorologist Michael Estime from FOX Weather predicts that parts of the Sierra Nevada could receive an impressive 24 to 36 inches of snow over the next week. This news is exciting for winter enthusiasts eager to engage in outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding, but Estime warns of potential dangers, particularly on the numerous passes found in California.

The higher elevations of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon are also expecting several feet of snow from this storm system. Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, and White Pass in eastern Washington are likely to receive the highest snowfall totals.

As the storms move through the region, the NWS has issued winter weather alerts, including a Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisories. Mount Shasta, Crescent City, and Happy Camp in California fall under the Winter Storm Warning, while the Winter Weather Advisories extend across the Sierra Nevada and include areas east of Redding, Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, and Mammoth Lakes.

While the mountains prepare for snowfall, lower elevations should expect heavy rain. The NWS states that the highest rain totals will be found in Northern California, as well as western and coastal regions of Oregon and Washington. Throughout the week, precipitation chances will shift south and east, affecting portions of Southern California, the Great Basin, and the Southwest.

Rainfall totals are expected to reach around 1 to 2 inches in the Interstate 5 corridor, while coastal areas from north of San Francisco to the Olympic Mountains in Washington may experience between 2 to 3 inches of rain. Higher terrain in these areas could see isolated spots with up to 3 to 5 inches of rain.

As the week progresses, the West Coast will experience the impact of these powerful storms, with coastal and low-lying communities facing heavy rains and higher elevations witnessing substantial snowfall. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this stormy period.