A dangerous winter storm has brought life-threatening blizzard conditions to the California-Nevada mountain range this weekend, with some areas receiving up to 10 feet of snow. The storm has forced the closure of Yosemite National Park and has led the National Weather Service to warn against visiting ski resorts in the area due to the extreme weather conditions.
In Lake Tahoe, snow levels are expected to reach 6 feet, making driving conditions dangerous and leading to vehicles being stranded on I-80 near Donner Summit. The California Highway Patrol has responded to assist those stranded.
The Eastern Sierra Nevada region is also under high avalanche danger, and Lake Tahoe ski resorts are experiencing sustained 150 mph wind gusts, leading many resorts to close for the safety of visitors and employees. High winds from the storm have also affected multiple states, causing delays at the Las Vegas airport.
The National Weather Service has issued high wind warnings for California, Nevada, and Arizona, prompting California to shut down 100 miles of I-80 and advise against traveling to the Sierras. In addition to Yosemite National Park being closed, a portion of Generals Highway leading to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks has also been closed.
Snow showers are expected to continue in the Sierras through Wednesday, and stormy weather is impacting other parts of the US as well. The East Coast is experiencing rain, the Southeast is facing thunderstorms, and Southern California is seeing rain and snow at high elevations, with strong winds in the forecast.
As the storm continues to wreak havoc across the region, residents and travelers are urged to stay safe and take precautions to avoid the dangerous conditions caused by the winter weather.
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