Inclement weather wreaked havoc across the US over the weekend, with heavy snow in upstate New York, icy roads in the Midwest, and rare tornado activity in California.
Snowstorms and Ice Storms
- New York: Upstate areas like Orchard Park saw over 33 inches of lake-effect snow.
- Midwest: A major ice storm from Friday night into Saturday caused hazardous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska, leading to temporary closures on Interstate 80 after numerous vehicles skidded off the road.
- Fatality in Nebraska: A 57-year-old woman lost her life in a weather-related car accident on Highway 30 near Arlington.
Rare Tornado Strikes California
- A tornado touched down near Scotts Valley, about 70 miles south of San Francisco, overturning cars and damaging trees, utility poles, and roofs. Several people were injured and hospitalized.
- San Francisco experienced toppled trees and roof damage, prompting an assessment to determine if the city itself was hit by a tornado. If confirmed, it would be the first since 2005.
- Weather experts noted the rarity of such events in the area, emphasizing the importance of safety measures like staying away from windows and creating barriers between people and the outdoors.
Impact on California’s Mountains
- Lake Tahoe Area: More than a foot of snow fell at ski resorts, with gusts reaching 112 mph at Mammoth Mountain. The Sierra Nevada peaks were forecast to receive up to 3 feet of snow.
- Road Closures: Interstate 80 was shut along an 80-mile stretch near the Nevada border but reopened later for vehicles with chains or snow tires.
- Avalanche Warnings: Warnings for areas above 8,000 feet around Tahoe remained in effect through Sunday night.
Concerts and Events Amid the Storm
The Tahoe Live music festival at Palisades Tahoe pressed on despite the weather, featuring performers like Lil Wayne and Diplo.
Power Outages and Rising Temperatures
- Tens of thousands in western Washington lost electricity due to rain and gusty winds.
- Temperatures across affected areas were expected to rise, providing some relief by melting ice and reducing storm impacts.
The unpredictable and dangerous conditions served as a reminder of the volatility of winter weather and the importance of heeding safety warnings.
