Nevada
Blizzard conditions force highway closures in the Sierra Nevada
Sierra blizzard situations pressure freeway shutdowns
The blizzard situations within the Sierra compelled Caltrans to shutdown roadways in higher elevations, together with Interstate 80 and U.S. Freeway 50.
OAKLAND, Calif. – The snow storm was so extreme within the Sierra that is what Interstate 80 seemed like Tuesday.
Blizzard warnings compelled a complete shutdown on the freeway…eerily empty with out the often packed lanes of vehicles and Tahoe-bound skiers.
Freeway 50 additionally was treacherous a lot of the day, visitors heading as much as Tahoe has been held a mile west of Kyburz in El Dorado County resulting from avalanche management.
Caltrans officers say with harmful situations on each highways folks mustn’t attempt to bypass closures.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Workplace posted a warning telling drivers to not try to use GPS instructions to take facet roads.
“These GPS’s are going to route you to county roads that may not be plowed or maintained proper now,” stated Steve Nelson, Caltrans spokesman.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Workplace additionally posted this video saying deputies needed to ditch their automobiles and entry some locations by snowmobile.
Amtrak practice service was additionally impacted.
MORE: ‘Zero visibilty,’ blizzard, avalanche warnings in Tahoe as one other storm slams Sierra, closes ski resorts
“The Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Chicago has canceled tomorrow due to the extreme climate situations,” stated Jason Abrams, an Amtrak spokesman.
Some Bay Space residents hoping to go as much as Tahoe to ski are desperate to hit the contemporary snow however cautious.
“We had largely resorts closures right now. There have been only a few resorts that had been capable of open,” stated Michael Reitzell, President of Ski California.
Reitzell says resorts must weigh elements resembling low visibility and avalanche considerations.
“Actually excessive winds in order that’s going to trigger ice issues on chair lifts, large wind drifts, it is chilly so the snow is gentle so it is blowing in every single place. so it is quite a lot of challenges for the resorts as they work their method via this storm,” stated Reitzell.
“For the season it will imply an extended season and a deeper snow pack. It helps this occurs in the midst of the week, so we will get ready for the weekend,” stated Reitzell.