- Snowstorms are poised to persistently pummel northern California for a fifth consecutive day, with hurricane-force winds propelling the blizzard into neighboring states.
- The Sunshine State experienced gusts of up to 190mph over the weekend, leading to the closure of a 100-mile section of Interstate 80 from the border to Colfax, CA.
- Winter weather alerts encompass more than 6.5 million individuals across the California Central Range, Shastas, and Sierra Nevada. Additionally, blizzard warnings are in effect for the Sierra Nevada and eastern Nevada state.
- The storm swept through California on Thursday and displays minimal signs of abating in the upcoming days, with an additional two feet of snow expected. Approximately 23,000 people are currently without power.
The Weather Prediction Center highlighted “extremely heavy snowfall rates of 2-6 inches per hour” coupled with winds exceeding 100 mph, creating treacherous travel conditions in the Sierra Nevada region. The center cautioned of significant disruptions to daily life and travel due to perilous blizzard conditions.
An anticipated “additional 1-2 feet of snowfall” is expected in parts of Nevada and California by Monday morning. Meteorologists also warned of an increased risk of avalanches in the Sierra Nevadas as snow continues to accumulate.
With gusts surpassing 200mph over the weekend in California, well above the 157mph threshold for a category 5 hurricane, the California Highway Patrol issued a warning regarding the indefinite closure of the freeway due to heavy snowfall. This closure left hundreds of travelers stranded in their vehicles for hours, with 8,000 homes in California experiencing power outages as of Sunday morning.
The severe snowstorm prompted the closure of several ski resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, the largest resort at the north end of Lake Tahoe. The resort shut down all chairlifts on Saturday due to inclement weather conditions.
Reports indicated that some ski areas received nearly 7 feet of snow, with expectations of over 10 feet at higher elevations. The storm, which began on Thursday, prompted a blizzard warning covering a 300-mile stretch of the mountains through Sunday morning.
Another storm, albeit weaker, is forecasted to bring an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow to the region between Monday and Wednesday of the following week, as per the National Weather Service office in Sacramento.
In the vicinity of Lake Tahoe, the Alibi Ale Works brewpub and restaurant remained one of the few operational businesses on Saturday amidst the challenging weather conditions.
Bartender Thomas Petkanas reported approximately 3 feet of snowfall by midday, with patrons braving the elements to visit the establishment. Despite the adverse conditions, the community seemed resilient and accustomed to the snowfall.
Authorities in California took precautionary measures by closing a 100-mile stretch of I-80 between Reno and Sacramento due to hazardous road conditions. The closure was attributed to spin-outs, high winds, and poor visibility.
Residents like Rudy Islas in Truckee, California, adapted to the snowfall, with some even expressing nonchalance towards the challenging weather conditions. The National Weather Service reiterated its warning for affected regions to avoid travel, emphasizing the ongoing danger posed by the extreme weather.