California Braces for Life-Threatening Blizzard as Storm Disrupts Sierra Nevada

A powerful winter storm has brought snowfall, gale-force winds, and blizzard conditions to California’s Sierra Nevada region, prompting authorities to urge residents to shelter in place and prepare for power outages. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued rare blizzard warnings for the area, warning of high levels of snowfall, whiteout conditions, and avalanches that could make travel impossible.

The storm, which is described as life-threatening, is expected to worsen significantly on Friday evening and over the weekend, with wind gusts of up to 100mph possible and widespread power outages likely. The NWS estimates that 70% or more of daily life in the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada could be disrupted through Sunday, with blizzard conditions and up to 12 feet of snow expected.

The central Sierra Nevada, including the Tahoe basin, is under an avalanche watch with “high to extreme” avalanche danger, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center. Yosemite national park and several ski resorts have closed, urging visitors to leave the area. By Friday morning, officials had warned that the time window for safe travel had closed.

The storm, which began in the Pacific northwest late on Wednesday, is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events driven by the El Niño weather cycle and global heating caused by burning fossil fuels. Climate scientists say that these events have been exacerbated by the changing climate.

Rick Grundy, the manager of a Chevron Food Mart near Donner Lake, said that business had slowed significantly on Friday as people heeded the warning to stay home. “We’re pretty well-stocked. We knew this was coming,” he said. “One thing I’ve learned, if you’re not used to driving in this weather, if you’re not used to being in this area, it’s not a good idea. You should stay home.”

As the storm continues to move south, it will bring much colder air to parts of California, with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below normal likely over the weekend. The rare blizzard and snowfall is expected to boost water supplies, bringing the Sierra mountain snowpack closer to its long-term average for this time of year.

Meanwhile, in Texas, fierce winds are hampering firefighters battling the state’s worst-ever blaze, which by Thursday night had ravaged 1 million acres, killing two people and hundreds of cattle. The fire, fueled by parched grasses, strong winds, and abnormally warm temperatures, has destroyed homes, farmland, and livestock, and has spread north into Oklahoma.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety.