Article Summary –
A dangerous blizzard in the Sierra Nevada, expected to bring up to 10 feet of snow, has led to the closure of Yosemite National Park, several ski resorts, and a major interstate, affecting power supplies to thousands of people. The California Highway Patrol has shut down a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 80 as a result of high winds and low visibility. The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Reno, Nevada, has advised against travel, and warned of life-threatening blizzard conditions, with snow rates potentially reaching 4-6 inches per hour.
Dangerous Blizzard Closes Yosemite National Park and Disrupts Power Supply
A hazardous blizzard carrying up to 10 feet of snow has led to the temporary closure of Yosemite National Park and nine Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Thousands are experiencing power outages as a result of the severe weather. Sierra Nevada and its surrounding areas are witnessing the worst of the storm.
Interstate and Highway Shutdowns
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced the closure of a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 80, from the California-Nevada state line west of Reno to a small California reservoir northeast of Sacramento. No time frame has been provided for reopening the road.
The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Reno, Nevada, has issued warnings against travelling and encourages those who must to carry an emergency kit.
Life-Threatening Blizzard Conditions
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the blizzard conditions in the Sierra region are life-threatening and expected to persist until Saturday morning. They anticipate snowfall at a rate of 4-6 inches per hour. Poweroutage.us reported that more than 50,000 customers in California and Nevada were without power as of Saturday morning.
The NWS has issued a blizzard warning covering a 300-mile stretch from north of Lake Tahoe to south of Yosemite National Park, highlighting potentially dangerous visibility conditions.
High Wind Warnings and Avalanche Threats
The storm system began impacting the region on Thursday, bringing wind gusts of up to 150mph at the highest peaks of the Sierra. The NWS issued a high-wind warning for West Central Nevada, expecting gusty winds of up to 75mph until Saturday.
An avalanche warning has also been issued for the Central Sierra slopes until Sunday evening by the Reno forecast office. The advisories caution against travelling in the area given the high risk of avalanches.
Yosemite National Park, which is under the blizzard warning, will remain closed through Sunday.
Residents have been making provisions, with Chris Slowinski and his wife Cathy Ludwig sharing that they’ve stocked up on food and equipment for their second winter in Tahoe. “We’ve got a generator, so we’re set,” Slowinski said. “I mean, it’s kind of nice having nowhere to go, and we really can’t go anywhere.”
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