A fierce winter storm has wreaked havoc in the Sierra Nevada region, leaving thousands of residents without power and creating treacherous conditions for travelers. Overnight, up to two feet of snow blanketed the area, causing power outages for about 49,000 customers in Nevada and California.
The storm was so severe that ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area were forced to pause operations due to whiteout conditions. The Interstate 80 was shut down over Donner Summit, a key trucking route from the San Francisco Bay Area, leading to major disruptions in transportation. Traffic cameras captured the sight of semi trucks parked alongside the highway, waiting for the closure to be lifted.
The California Highway Patrol is unable to estimate when the freeway will reopen, causing uncertainty for drivers and businesses that rely on this route. The Central Sierra Snow Laboratory reported a staggering 20.7 inches of snowfall by Saturday morning, with the Palisades Tahoe ski resort closing operations after receiving 24 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours.
The community is urged to stay safe and take precautions as the winter storm continues to wreak havoc in the Sierra Nevada region. Residents are advised to stay indoors if possible and to check on vulnerable neighbors during this challenging time. Stay tuned for updates on road closures and power outages as the storm progresses.
