A person sits in a snow-covered bus stop Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Olympic Valley, Calif. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Tim Varner, 57, uses blankets to stay warm in the snow as he huddles with his belongings in a storefront in Portland, Ore. on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. The thousands of people living on Portland’s streets have struggled to stay warm after a storm on Wednesday dumped nearly a foot of snow, resulting in the city’s second snowiest day on record. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)
Snow still covers Tim Varner’s belongings in Portland, Ore., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, nearly two days after a storm dumped a near-record breaking foot of snow on the city. Frigid temperatures have prevented much of the snow and ice from melting. The weather has left homeless people such as Varner struggling to stay warm. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)
Tim Varner, 57, uses blankets to stay warm in the snow as he huddles with his belongings in a storefront in Portland, Ore. on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. The thousands of people living on Portland’s streets have struggled to stay warm after a storm on Wednesday dumped nearly a foot of snow, resulting in the city’s second snowiest day on record. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)
Students cross Topanga Canyon Blvd. early Friday morning, Feb. 24, 2023, as they make their way to Canoga Park Senior High School in the pouring rain. (Dean Musgrove/The Orange County Register via AP)
Snow accumulates on a hillside over a property Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Agua Dulce, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
A motorist drives on a wet road under a snow-covered hillside Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Agua Dulce, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
A hill is covered in snow over a vineyard Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Agua Dulce, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
A snow plower clears streets from snow, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Bloomington, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
A snow plower clears streets from snow, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Bloomington, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
A closed due to power outage sign hangs on the door at a Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant in Detroit, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
A no power closed sign is displayed at a Walgreens store in Detroit, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
A customer views an empty refrigerated section at Mr. C’s Deli in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. The store was using a generator for power. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Kevin Savaya, manager at Mr. C’s Deli, fills a generator with gasoline to supply power to the business in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Kevin Savaya, manager at Mr. C’s Deli, carries bags of ice past empty coolers in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. The business was staying open using a generator. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Kevin Savaya, manager at Mr. C’s Deli, carries bags of ice past empty coolers in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. The business was staying open using a generator. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Pedestrians cross California Street in San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for the Sierra Nevada and Southern California mountains. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Sun shines on Corona Heights, bottom, as the downtown skyline is obscured by rain clouds in San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for the Sierra Nevada and Southern California mountains. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
A person standing on rocks at Corona Heights looks toward the downtown skyline obscured by rain clouds in San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for the Sierra Nevada and Southern California mountains. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Rain clouds hover over San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for the Sierra Nevada and Southern California mountains. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Mitch Wengrzynowicz sits under a blanket as his home lost power in Dearborn, Mich., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Mitch Wengrzynowicz uses plastic to try and keep rooms warm as his home lost power in Dearborn, Mich., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
In this image provided by Mammoth Mountain, snow falls at Mammoth Mountain, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. (Christian Pondella/Mammoth Mountain via AP)
In this image provided by Mammoth Mountain, snow falls at Mammoth Mountain, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. (Christian Pondella/Mammoth Mountain via AP)
People walk along the beach on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Huntington Beach, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
People walk along the Huntington Beach Pier on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Huntington Beach, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A man looks out from the Huntington Beach Pier on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Huntington Beach, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
People walk along the Huntington Beach Pier on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Huntington Beach, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A surfer pushes his board in to the wind on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Huntington Beach, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A surfer swims out in to the waves under the Huntington Beach Pier on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Huntington Beach, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Beach combers run along the beach on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Huntington Beach, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A beach comber walks along the beach on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Huntington Beach, Calif. California and other parts of the West faced heavy snow and rain Friday from the latest winter storm to pound the U.S. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
In this photo provided by Hung T. Vu, truckers park their trailers in the TA Center parking lot by Interstate 5 as snow falls in Redding, Calif., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Heavy rain and snow are pounding California and other parts of the West in the latest winter storm to hit the United States. Interstate 5, the West Coast’s major north-south highway, was closed south of the Oregon border as snow fell to the floor of the Sacramento Valley and in a high mountain pass north of Los Angeles, where blizzard warnings were in effect. (Hung T. Vu via AP)
In this photo provided by Hung T. Vu, snow falls on North Market Street in Redding, Calif., early Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Heavy rain and snow are pounding California and other parts of the West in the latest winter storm to hit the United States. (Hung T. Vu via AP)
People through the parking area of the Alpine Base Area at Palisades Tahoe during a winter storm Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Alpine Meadows, Calif. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. (AP Photo/John Locher)
A person walks through the parking area of the Alpine Base Area at Palisades Tahoe during a winter storm Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Alpine Meadows, Calif. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. (AP Photo/John Locher)
People stand in the parking area of the Alpine Base Area at Palisades Tahoe during a winter storm Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Alpine Meadows, Calif. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Debbie Fisher sits at the Farwell Recreation Center after her home lost power in Detroit, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Michigan is shivering through extended power outages caused by one of the worst ice storms in decades. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Snowy vineyards are viewed at Arkenstone Vineyards in Angwin, Calif., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Snowy vineyards are viewed at Arkenstone Vineyards in Angwin, Calif., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Snowy vineyards are viewed at Heiser Vineyard in Angwin, Calif., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Snowy vineyards are viewed at Arkenstone Vineyards in Angwin, Calif., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Snowy vineyards are viewed at Arkenstone Vineyards in Angwin, Calif., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Arkenstone Vineyards are viewed in Angwin, Calif., Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
A person sits in a snow-covered bus stop Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Olympic Valley, Calif. California and other parts of the West are facing heavy snow and rain from the latest winter storm to pound the United States. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LOS ANGELES | A powerful winter storm lashing California threatened floods, blizzards and avalanches Saturday while adding frigid temperatures to the misery mix.
Overnight lows could drop below freezing in some areas while downtown San Francisco could see record-breaking cold temperatures Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Projected temperatures of 38 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) would see the city at its coldest since 2009, the weather service said.
Flash flood warnings were issued from Friday through 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. Saturday in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, a region with some 6 million people. The weather service said flash flooding was occurring late Friday in Ventura County, where up to 7 inches (18 centimeters) inches of rain had fallen and up to 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) were possible before the storm turned showery on Saturday afternoon.
In Los Angeles County, forecasters said life-threatening flash flooding was possible near creeks, streams, urban areas, highways and areas that were burned by wildfires. The threat zone included downtown L.A., Hollywood, Beverly Hills and many suburbs.
“Shallow landslides and mudslides are expected,” the weather service said.
Despite the heavy downpour, no serious problems were immediately reported.
Rain falling at up to an inch an hour raised the fear of flooding or mudslides. Evacuation warnings were issued in some burn-scarred areas and for a mile-long stretch of Oceano, which lies on the central coast near a levee that overflowed during storms last month. Residents were urged to be ready to flee at short notice.
Meanwhile, people farther east were struggling to deal with the fallout from storms earlier this week.
More than a half-million people in Michigan were still without power late Friday night, days after one of the worst ice storms in decades caused widespread power outages by knocking down some 3,000 ice-coated power lines.
Promises of power restoration by Sunday, when low temperatures were expected to climb back above zero (minus 18 Celsius), were of little consolation.
“That’s four days without power in such weather,” said Apurva Gokhale, of Walled Lake, Michigan. “It’s unthinkable.”
Back in California, the Weather Prediction Center of the National Weather Service predicted heavy snow over the Cascade Mountains and the Sierra Nevada into the weekend.
California’s wine country wasn’t spared from the rare brew of wind and snow. Mark Neal told KPIX-TV that he woke up Friday morning to see a foot (30.4 centimeters) of snow — more than he’d seen in more than 40 years — and dozens of his oak trees snapped in half.
“It’s pretty much a battleground if you look at it. Some of them are over 200 years old,” he said. Luckily, the vines were safely dormant.
The low-pressure system pushing the atmospheric river off the Pacific Ocean into central and Southern California on Friday was driving inland and is expected to bring widespread rain and snow into southern Nevada by Saturday afternoon and then across northwest Arizona Saturday night and Sunday morning, the National Weather Service office in Las Vegas said.
An avalanche warning was issued for the Sierra Nevada backcountry around Lake Tahoe, which straddles the California-Nevada border. Nearly 2 feet (61 cm) of new snow had fallen by Friday and up to another 5 feet (1.5 meters) was expected when another storm moves in with the potential for gale-force winds and high-intensity flurries Sunday, the weather service said.
In Arizona, the heaviest snow was expected late Saturday through midday Sunday, with up to a foot of new snow possible in Flagstaff, forecasters said.
Weekend snow also was forecast for parts of the upper Midwest to the Northeast, with pockets of freezing rain over some areas of the central Appalachians. The storm was expected to reach the central high Plains by Sunday evening.
Yet the cold weather blasting the North and West has avoided the southern states, leading to wild temperatures differences. The high temperature for the U.S. on Friday was 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) at Falcon Lake, Texas, while the low was minus-35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 Celsius) near Huntley, Montana.
The wintry blasts have led to hundreds of cancelled flights at airports around the country and shut down miles of major highways in several states.
In California, some motorists were trapped overnight on snowy, icy State Route 17, a major road in the San Francisco Bay Area mountains, before it reopened Friday morning.
Interstate 5, the West Coast’s major north-south highway, was closed south of the Oregon border as snow fell to the floor of the Sacramento Valley. The Grapevine, a high mountain pass north of Los Angeles, was closed for more than 12 hours. After reopening Friday evening, traffic crept through under police escort and there was a chance of more closures as forecasters predicted strong winds leading to blizzard conditions in mountain ranges and passes.
Much of a long stretch of Interstate 80 remained closed most of Friday over the top of the Sierra Nevada mountain range between Sacramento, California, and Reno, Nevada.
Harsh weather prompted Los Angeles County to keep its emergency shelters open into March as wind chill was expected to drop weekend temperatures below freezing in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. The county’s large homeless population was at special risk.
At least three people have died in the coast-to-coast storms. A Michigan firefighter died Wednesday after coming in contact with a downed power line, while in Rochester, Minnesota, a pedestrian died after being hit by a city-operated snowplow. Authorities in Portland, Oregon, said a person died of hyperthermia.
Much of Portland was shut down with icy roads not expected to thaw until Saturday after the city’s second-heaviest snowfall on record this week: nearly 11 inches (28 centimeters).
Tim Varner sat huddled with blankets in a Portland storefront doorway shielding him from some of the wind, ice and snow. Local officials opened six overnight shelters but the 57-year-old, who has been homeless for two decades, said it was too hard to push a shopping cart containing his belongings to reach one.
“It’s impossible,” he said. “The snow gets built up on the wheels of your cart and then you find slippery spots and can’t get no traction. So you’re stuck.”
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Taxin reported from Orange County, California, and White reported from Detroit. Contributing to this report were Associated Press journalists Haven Daley in California, Claire Rush in Oregon, Corey Williams in Michigan, Scott Sonner in Nevada, Margaret Stafford in Missouri and Sarah Brumfeld in Washington, along with AP journalists throughout the country.