A powerful winter storm in the Sierra Nevada has led to the closure of Yosemite National Park, several Lake Tahoe ski resorts, and a major interstate, disrupting power to thousands. The California Highway Patrol closed more than 50 miles of Interstate 80 due to spin outs, high winds, and low visibility. The storm is expected to bring up to 10 feet of snow, prompting the National Weather Service to issue blizzard warnings and advise against travel.
Snow rates of 4-6 inches per hour are forecasted through Saturday morning, with more than 50,000 customers in California and Nevada losing power. The storm system brought wind gusts of up to 150 mph at the Sierra’s highest peaks, contributing to treacherous travel conditions. The Reno office of the NWS issued a backcountry avalanche warning and advised against travel in the Central Sierra slopes due to the dangerous weather conditions.
Yosemite National Park remains closed, with residents stocking up on food and equipment in anticipation of the storm’s impact. With a generator in place, one resident mentioned the silver lining of having nowhere to go during the storm. The storm is expected to continue affecting the region over the weekend with long periods of intense snowfall, strong winds, and whiteout conditions, creating a challenging situation for residents and travelers alike.