As a powerful blizzard continues to pummel parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado for the third consecutive day, hundreds of miles of California highways remain closed. With snow totals expected to reach up to 12 feet in some areas and wind gusts reaching a staggering 190 mph, residents are facing unprecedented challenges.

Highways Closed, Travelers Stranded

The National Weather Service has issued a “life-threatening concern” warning for residents near Lake Tahoe as moderate to heavy snowfall persists across the northern Sierra Nevada. More than 100 miles of Interstate 80 (I-80) remain shut down from the Nevada border to Colfax, California. With no estimated time for reopening, hundreds of travelers have found themselves trapped in their vehicles for hours, while over 300 vehicles remain stranded.

Authorities, including the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Truckee, have urged residents to stay home and avoid putting themselves and their families in dangerous situations amidst the treacherous conditions.

Ongoing Snowfall and Avalanche Danger

The blizzard is expected to continue through Sunday, with additional snowfall forecasted for Monday and Tuesday, particularly at higher elevations. Alan Reppert, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, predicts that some areas could see accumulations of 10-12 feet. Despite the enormity of the storm, Reppert reassures that it is not entirely unprecedented for the region.

The National Weather Service has also issued warnings of high avalanche danger in the backcountry, emphasizing the need for caution. Ski resorts, while typically welcoming major snowstorms, have been forced to shut down operations due to safety concerns. Although some resorts are aiming to reopen soon, significant delays are expected as workers undertake snow removal and avalanche mitigation efforts.

Residents React to the Extreme Conditions

Residents and long-time inhabitants of affected areas are grappling with the severity of the blizzard. Snow plow driver Kyle Frankland describes the storm as one of the most significant in his 44 years in Truckee, with multiple parts of his equipment breaking amidst the challenging conditions. Meanwhile, Truckee resident Dubravka Tomasin reflects on the harrowing nature of the blizzard, underscoring the immense impact it has had on the local community.

As the blizzard rages on, residents and authorities alike are bracing themselves for continued disruptions and challenges posed by the relentless snowfall and powerful winds.