The storm front that has provided a rainy respite for firefighters in California was beginning its roll across the nation Tuesday, forecast to spread rain, snow and ice along a 2,600-mile stretch from the Southwest to Northeast by the weekend, meteorologists say.

Winter weather advisories or winter storm warnings were in place for seven states early Tuesday morning, with the National Weather Service forecasting up to 12 inches of snow for some parts of the country. Winter storms can cause power outages, while snow can interfere with travel and create dangerous driving conditions.