Forecast maps shared with Newsweek by meteorologists illustrate how California and neighboring states are expected to be affected by several storms this week.

Photos show search-and-rescue teams working through heavy snow and high winds after an avalanche trapped skiers near Lake Tahoe.

Nine skiers were still missing early on Wednesday after an avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, authorities said, but six others from the stranded group have been rescued.

Several of those killed were members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community, according to school officials, who said they were not releasing names out of respect for the families affected.