Blizzard Hits Northern California with 100mph+ Winds and Heavy Snow
Northern California has been hit by a powerful blizzard, bringing with it 100mph+ winds and heavy snowfall. The storm has caused widespread disruption, with thousands of people losing power and hundreds of miles of highways being shut down. The blizzard has also affected areas of Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning of “life-threatening concern” for residents near Lake Tahoe, describing the storm as an “extreme blizzard.” The snow has been relentless, with blizzard conditions continuing due to strong wind gusts. More than 100 miles of the I-80 highway in California remained closed, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded in their vehicles.
Authorities have urged people to stay home and avoid putting themselves in dangerous situations. As of Sunday morning, around 7,000 homes and businesses were still without power. The storm is expected to continue throughout the day, with an additional 1-2 feet of snow predicted at higher elevations on Monday and Tuesday.
While the blizzard has caused significant disruption, meteorologists assure that it is not entirely out of the ordinary for the region. Alan Reppert, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, stated that these storms occur once every few years and are not record-breaking. However, they are still considered severe due to the high snow totals and strong winds.
Ski resorts in the affected areas have had to close temporarily due to the extreme weather conditions. Many are working tirelessly to clear the snow and conduct avalanche mitigation to ensure the safety of their guests. The Palisades Tahoe resort expressed its determination to reopen as soon as possible, stating that their teams have been working hard but there is still a lot of work to be done.
The Sugar Bowl resort, located just thirty miles north of Palisades Tahoe, also plans to reopen but warns of significant delays due to the need for snow clearing and avalanche mitigation. The resort acknowledged the depth of the snow, stating that they have not been able to reach the snow stakes yet. However, they expressed gratitude for the understanding and patience of their visitors, promising a rewarding skiing experience.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning of high avalanche danger in the backcountry until Sunday. The storm has also brought strong winds, with a gust of 190mph recorded near the Palisades Tahoe resort. Despite the severity of the blizzard, experts do not expect any records to be broken.
Local residents have described the storm as harrowing and challenging. Snow plow driver Kyle Frankland, who has been in Truckee for 44 years, referred to it as a “pretty good storm,” although not record-breaking. Dubravka Tomasin, a resident of Truckee, described it simply as a blizzard.
As the blizzard continues to wreak havoc on Northern California and other parts of the West Coast, it is crucial for people to heed the advice of authorities and prioritize their safety. By staying home and avoiding unnecessary travel, individuals can contribute to minimizing the risks associated with this extreme weather event.