Sierra Nevada Battered by Monster Snowstorm, Blizzard Warnings Remain in Effect

An unprecedented snowstorm, accompanied by hurricane-force winds, has caused chaos in the Sierra Nevada mountain range across Northern California and parts of Nevada. The extreme weather, which began on Thursday, is forecast to continue until early Wednesday morning, affecting a vast region of Northern California.

Blizzard Warnings and Snowfall

Throughout Sunday, blizzard conditions were expected in high-elevation regions of the Sierra Nevadas, with lower areas also anticipated to receive substantial snowfall. The National Weather Service in Sacramento warned that even areas as low as 4,000 feet above sea level should prepare for 1 to 2 feet of snow before the weekend concludes.

Meanwhile, the upper foothills of the sprawling mountain range in central and northern California were expected to see between 1 to 4 inches of snow, along with possible wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour. Although the storm was forecasted to ease on Sunday, meteorologists are anticipating another surge of hazardous winter weather on Monday.

Anticipated Snowfall and Travel Disruptions

For Monday and Tuesday, an additional 2 to 4 feet of snow is projected for high-elevation areas of the Sierra Nevadas, making travel "extremely difficult to impossible." The storm's impact is expected to cause white-out conditions, near-zero visibility, travel delays, road closures, power outages, and downed trees and branches.

Warnings and Precautions

The storm's impact is expected to be less severe in the Sacramento Valley, but residents were advised to prepare for heavy rain and possible thunderstorms. Those traveling in affected areas were urged to carry a survival kit in their vehicles in case of emergency.

As the extreme weather persists, the region continues to grapple with the challenges posed by this record-breaking snowstorm and its aftermath.