'Life-threatening' blizzard conditions, as much as 8 feet of snow forecast in Sierra Nevada region

Forecasters are warning of a Western blizzard that is expected to move through the Sierra Nevada, bringing high-intensity winds, large snowfall amounts and periods of whiteout conditions with zero visibility.

The National Weather Service in Reno, Nevada has issued an extreme blizzard warning for a 300-mile stretch of the Sierra, a mountain range running along the eastern edge of California, from Thursday through Sunday in areas near Lake Tahoe and Plumas National Forest.

Areas around Lake Tahoe's shore could see between 2-4 feet of snow, and areas in higher elevation above 6,500 feet could see between 4-8 feet, according to the latest area forecast.

Winds could also be a factor across the region with the weather service forecasting gusts as high as 70 mph and and ridge-top gusts of over 100 mph.

Life-threatening conditions are expected Friday night through Saturday morning, according to the warning. Light, fluffy snow can be easily blown around, creating whiteout conditions with near-zero visibility at all times.

Forecasters say travel is not advised during the blizzard warning, and if you plan to travel, to pack an emergency kit and prepare to be stranded in your vehicle for an extended period of time.

Sierra avalanche watch

In addition to the blizzard warning, an avalanche watch has also been issued for the Central Sierra Nevada mountains, which includes the Greater Lake Tahoe area.

According to the Sierra Avalanche Center, high to extreme avalanche danger may occur Friday morning through Sunday night due to large amounts of snowfall and high winds.

Traveling in, near or below backcountry avalanche terrain should be avoided.