A powerful blizzard wreaked havoc on the Sierra Nevada mountains, causing chaos for residents and travelers alike. The storm brought more than 10 feet of snow to higher elevations, shutting down Interstate 80 in Northern California and forcing ski resorts to close their doors.
The extreme blizzard was dubbed “as bad as it gets” by meteorologists, creating treacherous driving conditions, power outages, and closures of major highways. Avalanche danger was rated as high to extreme in backcountry areas, posing a serious threat to those living near Lake Tahoe.
Tens of thousands of homes in California and Nevada were left without power, while a tornado damaged an elementary school in Madera County. Ski resorts struggled to stay open, with some closing temporarily and others operating with limited operations due to the heavy snowfall, strong winds, and poor visibility.
Yosemite National Park also felt the brunt of the storm, closing its doors until at least noon on Sunday. Residents faced challenges as they tried to clear snow and determine whether businesses should remain open. Despite the chaos, emergency crews worked tirelessly to keep the public safe and minimize the storm’s impact on the region.
The blizzard warning that was issued on Thursday covered a 300-mile stretch of the mountains, signaling the severity of the storm. As residents and travelers navigated the aftermath of the blizzard, they remained cautious and prepared for potential additional challenges in the coming days.
