A California blizzard is bringing dangerous blizzard conditions to parts of the state. Cars were left stranded as the storm forced officials to close part of Interstate 80.
Meteorologists expected up to 10 feet of snow at higher elevations, which would create “life-threatening concerns” for residents of the area around Lake Tahoe and prevent travel on the main east-west highway, according to the Associated Press.
With forecasts calling for snowfall at an average of one-third the height of a telephone pole, William Churchill, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the AP that the storm was far from over.
“Snow totals have already reached feet, and by the end of this event, late Sunday, will be in the 1.5 to 3.6 metres range,” Churchill said.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a blizzard warning for the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The storm is currently producing heavy snow in mountainous areas and strong winds and heavy rain in low-elevation areas such as parts of the Pacific Northwest, the Great Basin, California, and the northern and central Rocky Mountains. These weather conditions are expected to continue until Sunday. Across the high plains, strong winds and dry air will support. Additionally, meteorologists expect fire conditions to be high across the high plains due to strong winds and expected dry air, the National Weather Service reported.
Here's a look at Californians walking through the blizzard.
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Californians are dealing with blizzard and blizzard conditions
Contributing: The Associated Press
