Heavy, accumulating snow or layers of ice can weigh down power lines, causing outages in a winter storm. Falling branches can also land on lines, causing power disruption.

Millions of people are expected to endure the impacts of an ice storm set to march across the U.S. later this week.

Snow in the forecast brings more than just a winter wonderland. It also increases the chance of power outages. Winter precipitation can cause power lines to sag, particularly if a snow-laden branch pushes them down. Those power lines can snap, causing outages.

A massive coast-to-coast storm is charging across the country, packing hurricane-force wind gusts and will impact more than 30 states by the end of the week. This comes as more people hit the roads and head to airports, with the holidays quickly approaching.

The sixth wave of rain in the past week will drench parts of San Diego County Wednesday and will be followed Thursday by winds powerful enough to make driving difficult on Interstate 8 east of Alpine and cause widespread power outages, the National Weather Service says.

WESTERN WASHINGTON — There is one more storm system to get through before calmer weather in western Washington. It won't be as strong as the one on Tuesday night into Wednesday, but it will be wet Thursday, with gusty winds redeveloping. A few more trees ...