A winter storm wreaked havoc in the Sierra Nevada region, leaving thousands without power and bringing life to a standstill for many residents. The storm dumped up to two feet of snow overnight, creating treacherous conditions and causing chaos in Nevada and California.
With about 49,000 customers left without electricity, ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area had to pause operations, and highway officials shut down Interstate 80 over Donner Summit. Traffic cameras captured semi trucks parked alongside the highway, waiting out the closure.
The Central Sierra Snow Laboratory reported significant snowfall, with 20.7 inches falling overnight and 39.8 inches over the past 48 hours. Palisades Tahoe resort closed ski operations due to 24 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours.
Yosemite National Park remained closed, and avalanche dangers were rated as high in the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Despite the challenges, some residents like Autumn Worden, a barista in Stateline, Nev., braved the snow to make it to work.
Meteorologists had warned of “life-threatening blizzard conditions” through Sunday, but some residents, like Brendan Madigan, owner of Alpenglow Sports, remained determined not to let the snow disrupt their plans. Madigan’s outdoor gear shop in Tahoe City stayed open to serve hardy customers in need of storm-specific purchases.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the winter storm, residents and businesses are coming together to navigate the challenges and support each other through the snowy chaos.
