Kirkwood Mountain Resort closed Monday. It stated on social media that it was unsafe to open due to 17 inches (43 cm) of snowfall overnight and strong winds. CHP Officer Carlos Perez stated that a truck from California Highway Patrol drove a large-rig up a hill, while smaller vehicles spun around. This resulted in minor bumps, bruises, but no serious injuries.
He said that the snowfall was "just so bad and so dense" with more to come Monday night. "We are telling people that they shouldn't travel if they don’t have to be in this area."
Forecasters stated that the multiday storm, an atmospheric river weather system sucking up moisture in the Pacific Ocean, was raising the risk of flooding. It is expected to dump more 8 feet (2.4m) of snow on California's highest peaks and Nevada before moving on midweek.
The storm will provide much-needed moisture to the region, which has been suffering from droughts that scientists believe are caused by climate change. The U.S. latest drought monitor shows that parts of Montana, Oregon, California and Nevada are in exceptional drought. The latest U.S. drought monitor shows that parts of Montana and Oregon, California, Nevada, Nevada, and Utah are in extreme drought. This is the worst category.
The springtime is the basis of most western U.S. reservoirs. They supply water to cities, states, tribes and farmers.
This week's storm is not unusual for this time of year, but it is notable because it is the first major snowstorm that will significantly impact travel. There will be ice on roads, strong winds, and limited visibility. Anna Wanless, National Weather Service meteorologist from Sacramento, stated that the storm was typical.
She said that "most of California, if it is not all," will experience some rain or snow.
Meanwhile, the wind gusts were so strong that officials from the state transportation department issued a wind advisory to the Bay Bridge linking San Francisco to Oakland. They also warned campers and trailer drivers to avoid the 4.5-mile (7.2-kilometer) stretch late Sunday.
Zhenne Wood, an artist and resident of Oakland, took the opportunity to walk her neighbor's corgi, a short-legged Corgi.
She said, "I chose to stay home today and not travel anywhere. Which is great." "I'm so grateful for the rain. It was a great thing that we had.
Officials closed a section of Highway 1 in California's Big Sur region for 40 miles (64 km) until Tuesday due to the storm. The scenic coastline route, south of San Francisco Bay Area is often damaged by wet weather.
Residents in Monterey County who are near burn scars from the Dolan Fire last year were advised to evacuate. In Southern California, Los Angeles County fire officials warned residents that mud flows could occur.
Residents of Santa Barbara County's mountain communities were directed Monday to evacuate because heavy rains could cause flooding or debris flows that could flood hillside homes. Officials have not stated how many people were affected. Similar orders were issued to people who lived in multiple communities located near another burn scar in San Bernardino Mountains. This is more than an hour east of Los Angeles.
Forecasters warned that strong winds could cause power outages due to the storm's accompanying storm. A spokesperson for Pacific Gas & Electric, Karly Hernandez, stated that crews and equipment have been set up across the state in case the power goes out.
According to Edan Weishahn, Reno's weather service, the second storm that is expected to strike California in the middle of next week could bring snow in mountainous areas.
Weishahn stated that Donner Summit, which is one of the most prominent points on Interstate 80, and a major route for commerce commuters, could be subject to major travel disruptions.
After crews made artificial snow, Vail Resorts' three Tahoe area ski resorts opened on Saturday with limited offerings. Spokeswoman Sara Roston said that Northstar and Heavenly were both open on Monday. Kirkwood was not.
