The agency forecasts snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches during this time for areas above 6,000 feet, while areas over 4,000 feet should expect 3 to 6 inches. On Saturday, wind gusts could reach 50 miles per hour in speed, with travel becoming "very difficult to impossible."

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the Sacramento area until Sunday at 4 p.m., with wind gusts up to 55 mph and a 70% chance of rain, and the Placerville area expecting 4 to six inches of snow.

Winter storm warnings are in place in several states with heavy snow, freezing rain and dangerously cold temperatures expected.