Revelers celebrated New Year's Eve in Las Vegas and Southern California amidst near-freezing temperatures due to a blustery winter storm, which dumped snow and ice across the West. Many motorists also found themselves trapped in snow while several people died from the severe wintry storms.

Adverse weather conditions in California made driving treacherous in the mountains, from California to the Rockies. Firefighters rescued around 200 motorists who were stranded by snow that hit mountain highways near Los Angeles, reports the Tech Times.

Five people in California also died as a result of the winter storm, including two people in Paradise, a town in the northwest foothills of California's Central Valley, after severe weather toppled trees. One woman died in Redding, a city located in Northern California, after a tree fell over and also injured a child.

"Two people were also reported to have died after storm winds ripped off boats from their moorings at Santa Catalina Island in Southern California. The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) said that strong winds traveling at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour hit the harbor. One more person was reported missing in the region," according to the Tech Times. However, Los Angeles County officials have not released information about the circumstances surrounding the second death.

"Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during such cold snaps. Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don't get too cold when they are outside," said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, interim health officer at Los Angeles County.

Revelers were also forced to endure freezing temperatures as they watched the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, reports UT San Diego.

Despite the bitterly cold temperatures, only about 25 percent of citrus crops were affected by the severe storm system, and only a few areas required protection against frost. About 75 percent of the crops will be ready to be harvested soon.