More snow is expected in California after a massive snowstorm hit the Sierra Nevada mountains over the weekend. Snow removal machines broke down as more than seven feet of snow fell in some areas. The Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort remained closed Monday as crews worked to remove snow.
In Las Vegas, wind speeds reached a record high of about 70 mph. The National Weather Service reported an 88 mph gust in nearby Spring Mountain. Planes grounded, thousands were left without power and trees fell.
“We've been here for 30 years, and these trees were fully grown when we were here, so the trees are probably over 60 years old,” said Mike Luce, a Las Vegas-area homeowner.
The Texas A&M Forest Service reported six active wildfires across the region Monday. Air tankers are dropping fire retardant in an effort to contain the largest wildfire in state history. Other tankers are drawing water from Lake Meredith, about 40 miles north of Amarillo, to drop the flames.
High temperatures, dry air and strong winds have hampered firefighting efforts, but the National Weather Service said Monday that a cold front would bring even colder temperatures.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says we are seeing the effects of extreme weather caused by climate change.
He said, “It is a remarkable phenomenon that will appear in the coming days, and we must prepare for it now.”
More than 1 million acres of land have burned so far in Texas.
SEE MORE: Powerful snow storm continues to hit Western states
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