As the weekend approaches in California, several ski resorts have decided to close their doors in anticipation of a massive snowstorm expected to hit the Sierra Nevada region.

According to forecasts reported by the BBC, California and Sierra Nevada are bracing for up to 10 feet of snow and wind gusts of 140mph in the mountains.

The highest elevations in the mountain region are predicted to experience the most extreme weather, including heavy snow and fierce winds.

The storm began making its way to the region on Thursday. Snow was expected to fall at three to five inches (7.6cm to 12.7cm) an hour on Friday and Saturday.

The Weather Prediction Centre has predicted significant disruption to daily life in Sierra Nevada’s higher elevations from Friday through Saturday, with travel conditions ranging from extremely dangerous to impossible, and avalanches also possible.

As a result, officials shut down I-80, Yosemite National Park, and over a dozen ski resorts around Lake Tahoe due to a snowstorm.

Californian officials have reported car collisions and vehicle accidents, but they have not received reports of serious injuries.

The storm comes after a slow start to the snow season, which typically supplies California’s water supply.

Conditions are expected to improve on Monday, but the area could see even more snow next week.