Sierra Nevada winter storm warning: Up to 4 feet of snow, 70 MPH winds to slam highways

A powerful late-season winter storm is coming to hit US Western States, bringing heavy snow and windy conditions to Sierra Nevada through Tuesday.

According to the Weather Prediction Center, the states are bracing to experience heavy snow around 4 feet as a Pacific low ejects onshore and surge the intensity of moisture around 90 percent above seasonal norms.

The winter storm is expected to bring heavy blizzard conditions, such as 1-2 feet above 6,000 feet, with up to 3-4 feet possible on highest peaks.

Snow starts falling at higher spots (7,000 feet and up). On Tuesday morning, the snow level will "crash" much lower, reaching 4,500 feet.

In terms of windy conditions, the residents will face 50-70 MPH along the Sierra crest, locally to 80 MPH.

If you have to travel, watch out for these specific mountain passes:

• I-80 (Donner Pass): Very high risk.
• Highway 50 (Echo Summit): Expect heavy snow and delays.
• Highway 395 (Eastern Sierra): Expect icy and snowy conditions.

Both I-80 and Highway 50 face multi-hour closure from Sunday night into Monday. If both routes close simultaneously, there are no realistic alternative paths across the central Sierra.

Chain requirements will likely begin for most vehicles at elevation above 5,000 feet. Even if you have All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive with snow tires, you may still be required to install chains depending on the severity of the conditions.