The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for parts of California and Alaska, where up to 22 inches of snow could be recorded in some areas. Lower winter weather advisory notes are also in place for seven other states as a wave of inclement weather sweeps across central and eastern parts of the country.

The forecast doubled the amount of snow expected in the Columbia area, as up to 2 inches of the white stuff is now forecast to accumulate, according to the warning. Between 2-3 inches of snowfall is possible in the southern reaches of the Midlands, meteorologists said in the briefing. Localized amounts in other areas could be higher.