Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

California blizzard leaves residents tunneling out with more snow on the way: Live

Communities across the region were digging out after snow reached up to roof lines in some towns

Michelle Del Rey,Andrea Cavallier,Louise Boyle
Wednesday 06 March 2024 14:01 GMT
Comments
100mph Winds And 12ft Of Snow Expected In California Storm

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Snow continued to fall across parts of California and Nevada on Tuesday after a blizzard dumped up to 10ft of snow, shutting down major highways for three days and trapping people in their homes.

Isolated, light snow showers would continue across the Sierra Nevada until Thursday morning, the National Weather Service reported, but drier and warmer conditions were expected by the end of the week.

Communities across the region were digging out after snow reached up to roof lines in some towns, and trapped people inside. More than 7,500 customers remained without power in some California counties, according to utility tracker poweroutage.us.

Localized, heavy rainfall is expected on Tuesday for northern California with downpours moving into southern California on Wednesday. Due a recent glut of atmospheric rivers hitting the state, there will be the threat of isolated flash flooding, NWS reported.

West coast weather forecast: The latest

An influx of moisture from the Pacific was targeting northern California and the southern Pacific Northwest into the northern Great Basin and Rockies.

Several more inches of snow are forecast from the southern Cascades and northern Sierra east to the Tetons in Wyoming. A cold front has also brought snow to lower elevations from southern Oregon to western Idaho.

In northern and central California, snowfall will taper off on Wednesday. However, localized, heavy rainfall is expected in southern California, the National Weather Service reported.

Due a recent glut of atmospheric rivers hitting the state, there will be the threat of isolated flash flooding, NWS reported.

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 14:01

Downpours incoming

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles shared the potential rainfall amounts for the incoming storm system. Rain and mountain snow is expected to spread through the area on Wednesday.

The heaviest downpours will be north of Pasadena, east of Ojai and north of Santa Barbara in Santa Ynez and Big Pine Mountain.

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 13:30

What is the Donner pass, the treacherous California mountain route notorious for cannibalism incident

Donner Pass, a stretch of road 7,088 feet above sea level in Nevada County, California, was hit with 80 inches of snow over the weekend as the state battled one of its most historic snowstorms.

What is the Donner pass, the California route notorious for cannibalism incident

California highway hit by historic blizzard over the weekend was the scene of a notorious 19th century disaster that led to cannibalism

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 13:02

In pictures: Californians dig out from crippling blizzard

A snow blower operates following a massive snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada mountains on March 04, 2024 in Soda Springs, California
A snow blower operates following a massive snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada mountains on March 04, 2024 in Soda Springs, California (Getty Images)
A snow blower operates following a massive snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada mountains on March 04, 2024 in Soda Springs, California
A snow blower operates following a massive snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada mountains on March 04, 2024 in Soda Springs, California (Getty Images)
In an aerial view, homes are covered in snow following a massive snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada mountains on March 04, 2024 near Soda Springs
In an aerial view, homes are covered in snow following a massive snowstorm in the Sierra Nevada mountains on March 04, 2024 near Soda Springs (Getty Images)
Louise Boyle6 March 2024 12:32

West coast weather forecast: The latest

An influx of moisture from the Pacific was targeting northern California and the southern Pacific Northwest into the northern Great Basin and Rockies.

Several more inches of snow are forecast from the southern Cascades and northern Sierra east to the Tetons in Wyoming. A cold front has also brought snow to lower elevations from southern Oregon to western Idaho.

In northern and central California, snowfall will taper off on Wednesday. However, localized, heavy rainfall is expected in southern California, the National Weather Service reported.

Due a recent glut of atmospheric rivers hitting the state, there will be the threat of isolated flash flooding, NWS reported.

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 09:03

2 snowmobilers killed in separate avalanches in Washington and Idaho

Two snowmobilers have been killed in separate avalanches in Washington state and in Idaho.

Two snowmobilers riding in the Cascade Mountains west of Yakima, Washington, triggered a slide Friday in a bowl near Darland Mountain, according to the Northwest Avalanche Center. The rider who did not survive was described as fully buried. The rider’s name wasn’t released.

“While we don’t know for sure, this avalanche likely failed on older persistent weak layers in the snowpack,” the organization said, adding that many other areas are dealing with the same problem. (Associated Press)

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 08:00

Wall of snow blocks door at California ski resort during severe storm

Wall of snow blocks office door at California ski resort during severe storm

A wall of snow blocked an office door at a northern California ski resort on Saturday, 2 March, after a powerful storm dumped more than 10ft (3 metres). Jon Slaughter's marketing team at Sugar Bowl had to dig down several feet and then tunnel through to the front door to get inside the building during the severe weather. Staff were confronted by a solid wall of snow filling the door to the outside on the second level of the building. The ski resort nestled recorded the highest amounts of snow from the storm that began on Thursday and was finally dissipating on Monday, National Weather Service in Sacramento said.

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 07:33

Texas wildfires rage on

Fire crews are still struggling to get a handle on the wildfires burning across northern Texas as one blaze jumped the state border into Oklahoma.

Strong winds and dry conditions this past weekend exacerbated flames, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire which remains only 15 per cent contained, according to the forest service. The fires began late last month.

Follow The Independent’s live blog below.

Texas wildfires: Massive blazes burn 1.3million acres as potential cause revealed

There’s still no end in sight for Smokehouse Creek fire which is now five times the size of New York City

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 06:35

Downpours incoming

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles shared the potential rainfall amounts for the incoming storm system. Rain and mountain snow is expected to spread through the area on Wednesday.

The heaviest downpours will be north of Pasadena, east of Ojai and north of Santa Barbara in Santa Ynez and Big Pine Mountain.

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 06:03

How to prepare for a blizzard

Residents under a blizzard warning should get food, water and medicine before a storm kicks in because nearby stores might be closed.

According to the American Red Cross, people should also create two types of supply kits: a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit.

A go-kit, which could be used if seeking shelter elsewhere, should have critical backup batteries and chargers for electronic devices. Emergency supplies to keep in a vehicle should include a blanket, warm clothing, a first-aid kit and boots.

Residents close to the snow storm site should avoid travel as much as possible.

A stay-kit should have at least two weeks of supplies. Individuals should also prepare to have appropriate clothing and set aside one gallon of drinking water per person. A one month supply of any necessary medication is also recommended.

Financial and medical records should be easily accessible.

Louise Boyle6 March 2024 05:30

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in