A severe blizzard has battered Northern California and Nevada, covering the Sierra Nevada mountains with up to 10 feet of snow, closing major highways, and leaving over 49,000 customers without electricity.
Northern California and Nevada are grappling with the aftermath of a severe blizzard that has cloaked the region in heavy snowfall, with winds reaching up to 100mph. The Sierra Nevada mountains, particularly affected, have seen snow accumulations of up to 10 feet, resulting in the issuance of blizzard warnings by the National Weather Service. Due to whiteout conditions, travel has been rendered almost impossible, leading to the closure of a 100-mile stretch of Interstate 80. The adverse weather has left over 49,000 customers without power across Nevada and California, with local authorities now working to restore electricity.
The blizzard has also heightened avalanche dangers in the backcountry areas surrounding Lake Tahoe, where forecasters are predicting that snow totals could reach up to 12 feet in higher elevations. Adding to the severity, two tornadoes were reported to have touched down in Central California within a span of two days. Despite the current blizzard easing, the National Weather Service has forecasted continued heavy snowfall in the region, prompting ski resorts to plan cautious re-openings. Notably, the Sierra at Tahoe resort has advised the public that safety concerns remain prevalent.
Meteorologist William Churchill referred to the storm as an “extreme blizzard,” highlighting its significant impact, including the large-scale closure of Interstate 80, a vital route between Reno and Sacramento. With the storm’s aftermath still unfolding, residents and businesses in the affected areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and heed any updates or instructions from officials. The community’s resilience and prepared efforts are crucial as they navigate through and recover from this extraordinary weather event.
