An Enormous Snowstorm Hits Sierra Nevada, Closing Ski Resorts and Prompting Residents to Hunker Down
Residents in the Sierra Nevada region, including the Lake Tahoe area, found themselves hunkering down as a massive snowstorm descended on Friday, bringing with it up to 12 feet of snow at the highest elevations and winds gusting over 100 miles an hour.
Ski resorts in the area were forced to close up shop, and snowplows worked tirelessly to clear the roads as the storm raged on. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued warnings about the high risk of avalanches in the Central Sierra, prompting officials at Yosemite National Park to announce a closure through Sunday.
In Tahoe City, reports of brief power outages and snow-covered roadways led residents to find alternative modes of transportation. Tristan Queen, a local resident, opted to travel to the grocery store by snowmobile, citing safety concerns on the roads.
Meteorologists had been warning about the impending blizzard conditions earlier in the week, urging drivers to avoid traveling in the dangerous weather. Ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe saw intense snowfall and winds reaching 100 miles an hour, leading to closures and deserted slopes.
As the storm continued to intensify, with more snowfall expected, residents and business owners in the area prepared for the worst. Stores stocked up on supplies, and locals braced themselves for the winter weather experience.
Despite the challenges posed by the snowstorm, some residents were already looking ahead to the ski season, with Palisades Tahoe announcing plans to remain open until the end of May. For now, however, the focus remains on staying safe and weathering the storm as it passes through the Sierra Nevada region.
