Forecasters have predicted an additional accumulation of more than one foot (30 cm) of snow on Sunday across much of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, already blanketed by a weekend of intense blizzards. These blizzards have led to the closure of a major highway in Nevada, exacerbating the situation with a heightened risk of avalanches, as emphasized by meteorological experts.
The closure of Interstate 80 between Colfax and the Nevada state line since Friday, due to intense snow squalls fueled by high winds, has been confirmed by the California Highway Patrol.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings of wind gusts reaching up to 45 miles per hour (72 kph) and blizzard-like conditions prevailing in the highest mountain elevations, expected to persist through Sunday night. Consequently, ski resorts around Lake Tahoe have been compelled to suspend operations.
According to reports from the National Weather Service, mountain towns such as Soda Springs and Sugar Bowl have experienced snow accumulations exceeding 80 inches (2 meters) since Friday.
Moreover, the storm has resulted in the closure of Yosemite National Park, although the National Park Service has expressed optimism about partially reopening certain roads by Sunday afternoon.
In addition to the disruptions caused by the storm, more than 22,000 customers in northern California have been left without electricity, as reported by the PowerOutage.us tracking service.
With a heightened risk of avalanches in the backcountry mountains of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, forecasters have advised residents to remain indoors and exercise caution.
Despite the easing of blizzard conditions, the National Weather Service has forecasted the likelihood of further winter storms laden with snow for much of the region on Monday and Tuesday.
