Tens of thousands of Californians are currently facing power outages as a result of a severe blizzard that hit California and Nevada. The blizzard has caused significant disruptions, with officials even having to shut down a major interstate due to hazardous conditions.
In South Lake Tahoe, where temperatures have dropped to 20 degrees with a windchill of 6 degrees, heavy snowfall has been relentless since Thursday, resulting in accumulations of over 4 feet in some areas. A blizzard warning, initially set to expire at 10 a.m. today, has been extended until 4 p.m. tomorrow.
The storm has brought strong winds, with mountain passes experiencing gusts between 40 to 60 miles per hour, and a staggering gust of 190 miles per hour recorded at Palisades Tahoe. The extreme weather conditions led to the closure of Interstate 80, a vital route connecting Sacramento and Reno, on Friday due to dangerous road conditions.
Currently, chain controls are in place on open routes, and authorities are advising against any unnecessary travel in the mountainous regions due to slippery and hazardous conditions. Power outages have been a significant issue, affecting over 30,000 customers in California at the peak of the storm. While power has been restored in some areas, many residents are still without electricity.
The high winds have also caused trees to topple over, adding to the challenges posed by the storm. Several ski resorts in the area have been forced to close temporarily due to the severe winter weather conditions. Some resorts are aiming to reopen today, pending improved weather conditions and reduced wind speeds, as safety concerns remain paramount.
