Winter Headaches Hit Unexpected Parts of the Country

It's a new year with new winter weather headaches in some unexpected parts of the country.

Forecasters say the storm that brought snow to Southern California and the Southwest is now heading for the East Coast.

Sand and salt trucks are already out in at least eight states trying to get ahead of a winter mess.

"When I hit my brakes it just kind of went sideways and I hit the rail over there," one motorist said.

Weather is likely to blame for a number of New Year's day crashes, from Texas to Nevada.

Where it's not icy, it's bone-chilling cold with freeze warnings in Arizona and Nevada. Not far from Las Vegas, people witnessed whipping winds and snow.

"The roads are pretty bad. It is getting worse as we know," Las Vegas resident Fallon Deliseo, said.

"I'm pretty new to Las Vegas. I was not expecting weather like this," Deliseo added. "I have not seen snow in a long time. This is pretty insane."

It was also a rare winter sight in Southern California with people waiting overnight for the Rose Parade, lighting campfires and bundling up.

"We have three layers on them: stockings, leggings, two pairs of socks," Rose Parade guest Kristin Hoyle-Fontana, said.

The wicked winter weather turned deadly for at least five people in California.

Snow also caused chaos in Colorado where some hikers found themselves caught in an avalanche. Three were trapped just west of Denver. Only two of them survived.

Forecasters warn the storm will strengthen and take a track toward the lower Great Lakes this weekend.

It will also spread a swath of snow, ice, and rain, bringing travel problems from Chicago to Boston.

Areas that receive a heavy amount of ice or wet snow should brace themselves for lengthy power outages.