A massive late-winter snowstorm in California and Nevada has forced the closures of Yosemite National Park, more than a dozen ski resorts and a large section of Interstate 80.
A blizzard warning remains in effect for much of the Sierra Nevada until 10 a.m. local time on Sunday, with as much as 10 feet of snow possible in the mountains around Lake Tahoe, the National Weather Service Office in Reno, Nev. said.
“A long duration of high-intensity snow and strong winds is expected, with periods of whiteout conditions and near-zero visibility,” the agency said in its Saturday morning update.
The blizzard warning covers a stretch of approximately 300 miles, from north of Lake Tahoe to south of Yosemite Park, with high winds increasing the risks of downed trees and power lines.
“The combination of snow and high winds is most intense in the Sierra Nevada, where heavy snow rates exceeding 3 inches per hour and winds gusting over 100 mph are causing significant blowing, drifting snow and whiteout conditions, making travel impossible through the area,” the NWS said.
Early on Saturday, nearly 40,000 customers reported power outages in California, according to PowerOutage.us.
Around 5 p.m. on Friday, the California Highway Patrol said in a statement shared on social media that a section of Interstate 80 would also be closed indefinitely due to the severe weather.
“AAANNNDD WE’RE CLOSED!!” the CHP posted on X. “I-80 westbound traffic is being turned at the Nevada State line and eastbound I-80 traffic is being turned around at Drum Forebay due to spin outs, high winds, and low visibility.”
The situation had not improved Saturday morning.
“No estimated time of reopening the freeway,” CHP said in a 5:30 a.m. update.
Over a dozen ski resorts were forced to close down shop as “high to extreme avalanche danger” warnings were put in place for several areas around Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.
“Due to wind, visibility, new snowfall, and 16-21 inches of snow in the forecast, all chairlifts at Palisades Tahoe will be closed for the day today, Saturday, March 2nd,” the famed ski resort posted on X around 6:30 a.m.
With News Wire Services
