Winter conditions have taken hold in much of the United States, including Hawaii, where fresh snow fell on the Big Island, marking the year's first snowfall in a state known for its tropical climate.
The National Weather Service (NWS) recorded more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of snow at the high volcanic summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island.
Winter weather arrived early to the island chain in mid-October when a freeze warning was issued. The NWS has issued an alert about freezing precipitation and snow, which are creating slippery conditions and reduced visibility for people traveling to those areas.
Winter conditions have arrived early in the United States. Heavy snowfall is expected from Wednesday through Thursday night, and in some cases, until Friday, which could leave up to 60 centimeters of snow in certain areas, according to weather authorities.
The NWS forecasts a snow accumulation of 40 to 60 centimeters this Wednesday in the Sheep Range and Spring Mountains ranges in Nevada.
Up to 20 centimeters of snow is also expected in the high mountains of Colorado and New Mexico on Thursday in areas above 3,000 meters in elevation.
Mountainous areas near Los Angeles were also blanketed in white over the weekend following the arrival of an atmospheric river, which brought a record amount of rain not seen in the area since 1985.
