Truckee, California – Residents in northern California are bracing for more snow as a powerful storm system continues to pummel the region, with forecasters predicting 100mph winds and up to 12ft of snowfall. Highways and ski resorts have been forced to close due to dangerous whiteout conditions in mountainous areas, causing widespread disruptions and challenges for the local communities.
Although the worst of the blizzard has passed through the Sierra Nevada region by Monday morning, additional snowfall is expected to create further complications. The National Weather Service office in Sacramento has warned of scattered thunderstorms and the possibility of another 2 feet of snow at higher elevations.
As residents across the affected region begin digging out from massive snowdrifts that have reached the roofs of some homes, power restoration efforts are ongoing. Over the weekend, more than 40,000 homes experienced outages, with over 7,500 customers still without power as utility crews work diligently to address the remaining issues.
Despite the challenging conditions, Pacific Gas & Electric and NV Energy have made progress in restoring electricity to most customers affected by the storm. However, the aftermath of the blizzard has left a trail of destruction, with reports of broken snow blowers and plows hindering road-clearing efforts in some areas.
The recent onslaught of snowfall has closed major transportation routes, including I-80, and caused disruptions to daily life for many residents. Ski resorts, such as Palisades Tahoe, have been forced to shut down operations due to the extreme weather conditions, impacting tourism and local businesses.
As weather forecasters and emergency responders continue to monitor the situation, residents are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant during this challenging weather event. The impact of the storm is far-reaching, with communities across northern California grappling with the aftermath of one of the most severe winter storms in recent memory.