As the weekend looms over California, ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada region are bracing for an imminent snowstorm, prompting several closures in anticipation of the severe weather.
Forecasters from the BBC have reported that California, along with the Sierra Nevada, is preparing for a deluge of snowfall, with projections indicating up to 10 feet of snow accompanied by wind gusts reaching 140mph in the mountainous areas.
The impending storm is predicted to have its most significant impact on the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, where extreme weather conditions including heavy snowfall and intense winds are expected.
The storm system began its approach towards the region on Thursday, with snowfall rates expected to reach three to five inches (7.6cm to 12.7cm) per hour throughout Friday and Saturday.
The Weather Prediction Centre has warned of substantial disruption to daily life in the Sierra Nevada’s elevated areas from Friday through Saturday. Travel conditions are anticipated to range from extremely perilous to virtually impossible, with the added risk of potential avalanches.
In response to the forecast, authorities have taken precautionary measures, closing down Interstate 80, Yosemite National Park, and more than a dozen ski resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe due to the impending snowstorm.
While Californian officials have reported incidents of car collisions and vehicle accidents, fortunately, no severe injuries have been reported thus far.
This storm follows a sluggish start to the snow season, which typically replenishes California’s water supply.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve by Monday, although there is a possibility of further snowfall in the region next week, prolonging the wintry weather conditions.
