The bad winter weather will intensify in the West of the country, while the eastern and middle United States can expect the weather to get better.

The nasty weather conditions were not that nasty anymore in the East and the Midwest where the Christmas Eve was a nightmare for travelers. Weather forecasters said a strong Pacific winter storm was on its way to the Rockies Thursday night and the Plains Friday. Temperatures in that region were expected to be about 10 degrees above normal, but could go as high as the 60s in the Ohio Valley and the Washington-Baltimore area.

The snowfall on California's Sierra Nevada was of 12 to 24 inches. Meteorologists forecasted a similar amount of snow in Utah and the Colorado Rockies late Thursday into Friday morning.

The weather showed its dangerous side in Washington state. The snow gave way to rain and Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire declared the state of emergency due to the threat of urban flooding. Under the state of emergency, the National Guard troops are being made available if they're needed.

As much as 30 inches of snow fell in Washington state during the past couple of days and forecasters expect another foot to fall in the eastern parts of the state. Residents were urged to clear their flat-roofed homes and garages.