New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- Winter has arrived early for some states in the US. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings across parts of California, Nevada and Wyoming, stating that a "powerful winter storm" could dump up to 18 inches of snow through Wednesday morning (15 October).

In California, the central Sierra - mostly south of Interstate 80 - is already seeing heavy snow. The NWS said it could range from 12 to 18 inches, with snow levels around 5,500 to 6,500 feet.

"Travel could be very difficult," the agency warned, urging drivers to avoid mountain passes overnight. The heaviest snow was expected to fall late Tuesday and taper off by sunrise Wednesday, Newsweek reported.

In Elko County, the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt R...