California officials issue dire warnings and advise residents to ‘hunker down’ as a ‘life-threatening’ storm is predicted to hit Sierra Nevada, encompassing the northern and central regions, including Lake Tahoe and eastern Nevada.
The Weather Channel forecasts up to 12 feet of snow and powerful winds, urging locals to avoid travel through the weekend.
Unprecedented Blizzard Threat: Sierra Nevada Residents Urged to Stay Put
Experts categorize the imminent weather conditions as ‘life-threatening,’ emphasizing the severity of the situation.
With the Sierra Nevada expected to be buried in heavy snow, the National Weather Service of Reno warns residents to refrain from travel during this perilous period, anticipating power outages and tree damage due to accumulating snow.
Meteorological Outlook: Sierra Nevada Battling Extreme Conditions
Rich Bann, a meteorologist with the NWS, highlights the western slope of the Sierras as the epicenter of the storm, predicting heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 100 mph.
Widespread power outages are anticipated, posing a significant disruption to daily life until the storm subsides on Sunday.
Avalanche Warnings and Blizzard Conditions: Unprecedented Perils for Sierra Nevada
NWS Reno issues an extreme avalanche danger warning for the Central Sierra slopes and a blizzard-like condition advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area.
Snow accumulations of three to six feet are expected, accompanied by winds gusting up to 70 mph in lower elevations and exceeding 115 mph over Sierra ridges until 10 am Sunday.
Preventive Measures: Cities Prepare for Onslaught of Storm
City officials in South Lake Tahoe initiate preventive measures, completing anti-icing treatment on streets to minimize snow and ice accumulation.
The California Highway Patrol imposes travel restrictions on Interstate 80, demanding drivers to use tire chains.
Palisades Tahoe ski resort anticipates limited operations, and backcountry avalanche warnings are already in place around Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.
Evacuation Orders and Rain Risks: Warnings Extend Beyond Sierra Nevada
The National Parks Service urges visitors to leave Yosemite National Park, anticipating severe weather conditions.
Cold fronts may bring heavy rains to lower elevations, increasing the risk of isolated flash flooding.
Despite severe warnings for most of the state, Los Angeles County is not expected to see snow, with a slight chance of showers on Friday and more likely rainfall over the weekend.