California weather — Flood and avalanches warning amid ‘life and death’ warning for homeless people

California’s first blizzard warning since 1989

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California weathered a punishing weekend of heavy snow, torrential rain and bitterly cold temperatures.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the conditions were posed “a matter of life or death for many of our unhoused neighbors,” and asked resident to help those without permanent shelter find emergency lodgings during the storm.

The storms triggered the state’s first blizzard warning since 1989 with record snowfall forecast in some high-elevation areas. Up to 8ft of snow was forecasted to fall in the mountains outside of Los Angeles on the storm’s second day. The National Weather Service warned that travel would be very difficult to impossible.

The storm also brought the threat of ocean water spouts and land-based tornadoes in the Los Angeles area of southeast Santa Barbara and southern Ventura counties.

A coast-to-coast winter storm pummeled much of the western and northern United States, styming travel plans and leaving nearly 1million people without power.

But the country was a landscape of climate extremes: While deep Arctic air caused temperatures to plummet as much as 30 to 40 degrees below average in parts of the West and Plains, the US also experienced its first 100-degree day of 2023. Falcon Lake in Texas hit 100F on Wednesday as temperature records were broken across the Southwest.

Key points so far

• Weather warnings and advisories issued in two dozen states by the National Weather Service
• Flight woes continue on Thursday

[22 February 2023 21:30 · Louise Boyle]

Watch: Wild weather blasts Southern California amid rare blizzard warning

[22 February 2023 21:50 · Louise Boyle]

Storm to bring high winds to Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada

A winter storm making its way through the western US is expected to carry winds capable of downing power lines and trees in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, while dropping rain and snow, The Associated Press reported.

Gusts could hit 55mph in metropolitan Phoenix on Wednesday and even higher in Prescott and Flagstaff to the north, at 70 mph, the National Weather Service said.

Up to a foot of snow is expected by Thursday morning in elevations above 5,000 feet in Arizona, forecasters said.

Some schools in Flagstaff announced closures ahead of the storm that’s expected to hit Arizona on Tuesday night. Weather forecasters and local and state officials encouraged drivers to stay off the roads.

“Damaging winds and treacherous to impossible driving conditions are expected due to blowing dust and snow,” the weather service in Flagstaff said.

The storm system will carry over into New Mexico with high winds, rain and possibly snow across the state Wednesday, including in the Albuquerque area.

A high wind warning is in effect for most of New Mexico through Thursday morning, with wind gusts of up to 70 mph, the weather service there said.

Associated Press

[22 February 2023 22:11 · Louise Boyle]

Storm waves strike California’s beaches

A person walking their dog stands next to the ocean as large wind-driven waves hit the pier in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego, California on February 22 (REUTERS/Mike Blake) (REUTERS)

[22 February 2023 22:33 · Louise Boyle]

Sun Country Airlines issues flight waivers for snow-impacted flights

Sun Country Airlines has announced waivers for flights impacted by Winter Storm Olive in parts of the Midwest.

The company will allow passengers who bought tickets to/from Minnesota’s Minneapolis/St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth airports; and Wisconsin’s Eau Claire and Green Bay, to rebook to another Sun Country flight one time with no additional cost, if they meet the conditions listed here.

[22 February 2023 23:33 · Louise Boyle]

Watch: ‘Crazy’ snow day caught on cameria in Flagstaff, Arizona

[23 February 2023 00:33 · Louise Boyle]

Dangerous ice accumulations

A dangerous build-up of ice will accompany the snowy conditions in many parts of the US, the National Weather Service reported on Wednesday.

A combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected across the Upper Mississippi Valley and into the Lower Great Lakes, with lighter accumulations heading east across the Central and Northern Appalachians and southern New England.

Ice accumulations of 0.1-0.25 inches are expected with more than 0.5 inches possible in some places, especially across the Lower Great Lakes overnight into Thursday.

[23 February 2023 01:30 · Louise Boyle]

New York officials warn of dangerous conditions on the road from Winter Storm Olive

New York officials including Governor Kathy Hochul were warning citizens to take extreme precautions on the roads as Winter Storm Olive hit the state with ice, snow squalls and freezing rain.

“A winter storm is bringing a mix of snow, rain, and freezing rain to much of the state this afternoon. New Yorkers: Please be careful traveling tonight and through tomorrow morning’s commute. If you’re driving, take it slow and don’t crowd the plows,” Gov. Hochul tweeted.

Travel conditions will deteriorate from south to north from Wednesday afternoon as snow overspreads the area and begins to change to a wintry mix. Be prepared for a slow and slippery drive home in many areas this afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service added.

[23 February 2023 02:34 · Louise Boyle]

Pictured: Winter Storm Olive drops heavy snow in parts of US

A family walks through blowing snow as weather conditions worsen on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Erin Woodiel /The Argus Leader via AP) (AP)

[23 February 2023 03:33 · Louise Boyle]

Watch: Late Winter Storm Olive disrupts more than 1,000 flights

[23 February 2023 04:34 · Louise Boyle]

What is a snow squall?

Warnings of snow squall conditions were being issued in the United States on Wednesday as the “historic” Winter Storm Olive tightened its grip.

But what is the lesser-known weather phenomenon?