Nine states are on alert for wind, snow, avalanches and high surf as new storms hit the west.

       These storms will pound the west through the weekend, with very heavy rain along the coast and heavy snow in the mountains from the Sierras to the Cascades to the Northern Rockies.

       Coastal regions from Portland to Eureka in Northern California could see more than 6 inches of rain and potentially isolated flooding.

       High wind alerts are scattered across the West. Gusts up to 70 mph are possible.

       High surf advisories have also been issued. Waves could reach 35 feet in Oregon and up to 15 feet in Southern California.

       In the mountains, some spots could get 1 to 3 feet of snow through Sunday. Roads could face whiteout conditions, making travel very dangerous.

       Avalanche warnings are in effect from Washington to Utah.

       Meanwhile, in the South, severe weather is hitting eastern Texas and parts of Louisiana and Arkansas Thursday evening.

       Tornadoes, hail and wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible from Houston to Lufkin, Texas, where a tornado watch is in effect.

       A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of northern Texas, including Tyler and Texarkana.