California Storm: Chaos and Dangerous Conditions as 100mph Winds and 12ft of Snow Hit Northern California
In a relentless display of nature’s power, northern California and Nevada have been hit by an intense blizzard, bringing heavy snowfall and gusts of wind reaching speeds of up to 100mph. The storm has caused chaos and dangerous conditions, with several areas buried under 10ft of snow. The National Weather Service has urged residents to take shelter and stay off roads due to the extremely hazardous travel conditions.
Freeway Shutdown and Whiteout Conditions
As a result of the widespread blowing snow, California authorities have made the decision to shut down 100 miles of Interstate 80, stretching from the California-Nevada border just west of Reno to near Emigrant Gap, California. The closure is expected to last until further notice. The blizzard warnings for the Sierra Nevada region remain in effect through Sunday night, with snowfall rates of over three inches per hour anticipated. More snow is expected to hit the area on Monday.
Avalanche Danger and Heavy Rainfall
The central Sierra, including the greater Lake Tahoe area, is facing a high to extreme avalanche danger due to the heavy snowfall. William Churchill, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, has stated that snow totals by late Sunday could range from 5 to 12 feet, with the highest accumulations occurring at elevations above 5,000 feet. Lower-lying areas have experienced heavy rainfall.
Ski Resorts Forced to Close
The severe weather conditions have forced several ski resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, the largest resort on the north end of Lake Tahoe and the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, to close most or all of their chairlifts for the second consecutive day. Palisades Tahoe reported a three-day snow total of 6 feet with more snowfall expected. Resort officials have acknowledged that it will take considerable time to dig out from the massive snowfall.
Struggles to Clear Roads
Road-clearing efforts have been hampered by the severe conditions, as many blowers and plows have broken down. Caltrans District 3 tweeted that they are currently operating with only 2 of 10 blowers at their central hub in Kingvale and 6 out of 20 blowers from Auburn to the Nevada state line. This has further contributed to the challenges faced by crews trying to clear roads.
Continued Storm Threat and New System Approaching
The blizzard conditions, monster winds, and whiteouts are expected to persist in the Tahoe area. A new storm is also approaching the west coast, albeit with milder conditions compared to the recent blizzard. Meteorologist Jason D Farhang has stated that a moderate cold front is forming within the next 12 to 24 hours, which will bring additional rainfall ranging from 0.45 inches to 1.2 inches.
Temporary Trapping of Vehicles and Highway Closures
The severity of the storm temporarily trapped vehicles on the highway, with video footage showing cars being pulled out after being buried in a snow sluff east of Echo Summit. The highway was closed for a short period of time, but crews worked quickly to reopen it. However, over 100 miles of I-80 remain closed from the Nevada border to Colfax, California, with no estimated time for reopening according to the California Highway Patrol.
Life-Threatening Concerns for Lake Tahoe Residents
Residents near Lake Tahoe are facing what meteorologist William Churchill describes as a “life-threatening concern.” The National Weather Service has warned of moderate to heavy snowfall persisting overnight in the northern Sierra Nevada region, accompanied by strong wind gusts that continue to create blizzard conditions.
Conclusion
The powerful storm that has hit northern California and Nevada has caused chaos and dangerous conditions. With heavy snowfall and 100mph winds, several areas have been buried under 10ft of snow. The closure of Interstate 80 and the challenges faced by road-clearing crews highlight the severity of the situation. Ski resorts have been forced to close, and residents near Lake Tahoe are facing life-threatening conditions. As a new storm approaches, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety in the face of these extreme weather conditions.
