Powerful Blizzard Hits Sierra Nevada

A powerful blizzard unleashed its fury overnight, causing chaos in the Sierra Nevada region. This massive storm, considered the biggest of the season, forced the shutdown of a significant stretch of Interstate-80 in California.

Severe Snowfall and Strong Winds

Forecasts predict an astonishing up to 10 feet (3 meters) of snow in certain areas, painting a picture of a winter wonderland turned nightmare. The National Weather Service in Reno warned that the situation would worsen with blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall reducing visibility to one-quarter mile or less.

Avalanche Warning in Sierra Backcountry

The weather service in Reno issued a grim forecast, indicating high to extreme avalanche danger in the backcountry throughout the central Sierra, including the popular Lake Tahoe area. These hazardous conditions are expected to persist until Sunday evening.

Road Closures and Power Outages

Tornado Touches Down

Adding to the chaos, a rare tornado touched down in Madera County, causing damage to an elementary school. Andy Bollenbacher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Hanford, confirmed this unexpected event.

Ski Resorts Closed

Several ski resorts took the decision to shut down on Friday due to the extreme weather conditions. While some plan to remain closed on Saturday for cleanup, others are considering reopening on Sunday, pending updates on the situation.

Palisades Tahoe Faces Storm Challenges

Palisades Tahoe, the largest resort on the north end of Tahoe and site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, had plans to reopen some slopes but had to close neighboring Alpine Meadows due to inclement weather forecasted.

Severe Weather Conditions

With "heavy snow and winds over 100 mph" expected, all chairlifts at Alpine Meadows were shut down. Palisades Tahoe expressed challenges in preparing the resort under current conditions, anticipating significant delays if any parts were to open.

Blizzard Warning

The storm, which arrived in the region on Thursday, prompted a blizzard warning covering a vast 300-mile stretch of the mountains. Ski enthusiasts hurried to reach the mountains before the storm hit.

Preparation and Caution

Despite the excitement, Daniel Lavely, an avid skier from Reno, opted out due to the intense winds. While most customers remained optimistic about the storm, Lavely noted an increase in demand for essentials like shovels.

Forecast

Meteorologists predicted up to 10 feet of snow in the Lake Tahoe mountains by the weekend, with significant snowfall expected in lakeside communities and valleys on the Sierra's eastern front. Yosemite National Park closed in anticipation of the storm's impact.

Stay tuned for updates on Palisades Tahoe's reopening and safety measures in response to the storm.