A cold front is blasting snow, ice and freezing rain across a huge part of the country.

Snow shut down Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles as wet snow blanketed the area. Roads in higher elevations turned to ice.

Forecasters said it's all part of a giant cold front now sending a chill from the Rockies to the middle of the country.

The storm also stirred up winds as high as 60 mph near Seattle, Wash., triggering a mud slide.

In Louisiana heavy downpours flooded rivers and streams. Residents are cleaning up after a twister tore through Baton Rouge.

"Our patio flew off in the back, it's actually over here in the neighbor's yard," one resident said.

The twister also damaged a chemical plant.

Winter weather advisories and warnings are posted from California to Michigan.