What is being called the “biggest storm of winter” is expected to bury parts of the Sierra Nevada with more than 100 inches of snow in the first days of March.
The Sierra Nevada mountains could be hit with six to 10 feet of snow in early March in what forecasters are saying could be the biggest storm witnessed in modern history for the region, according to AccuWeather.
“The snow will fall at the rate of 4 inches per hour at times, while 60- to 75-mph winds will create a dangerous blizzard with mountainous snowdrifts,” said AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
Isolated communities and major roadways may be buried for an extended period of time following the potential snowfall. Videos shared online by meteorologist Colin McCarthy showed the already snow-covered ground of Donner Pass, California, which he says could see “upwards of 8-10 feet of snow” falling “in just the next 48-72 hours.”
“This storm has the potential to rank with some of the biggest the Sierra Nevada has ever seen in modern times,” AccuWeather tweeted.
This storm has the potential to rank with some of the biggest the Sierra Nevada has ever seen in modern times. https://t.co/TcpIHIGgUr pic.twitter.com/on9tYOcFD4
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) February 29, 2024
Greetings from Donner Pass, California, where the beginning of an extreme winter storm is moving in.
Upwards of 8-10 feet of snow could fall here in just the next 48-72 hours. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/Py1YzBOTwT
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) February 29, 2024
Power outages, blizzards and damaging winds are all anticipated, creating “potentially deadly travel conditions” for I-5 and Interstate 80, two of California’s main arteries, AccuWeather continued. The risk of motorists becoming stranded is extremely high, and road crews are unlikely to be able to keep up with the storm.
Conditions deteriorating on Donner Pass Road, CA with gusts up to 50 mph as the #LeapDayBlizzard moves in. pic.twitter.com/VxfP2LWlF2
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) March 1, 2024
Traveling in these conditions is a life-threatening activity and should be avoided at all costs. (RELATED: Death Toll From Snow Storm And Extreme Cold Reaches 60 As Erie County, New York, Takes Biggest Hit)
The strongest jet stream will likely hit Friday night, bringing wind speeds of potentially 199 mph along the Sierra Crest, McCarthy noted in another forecast.
If the snowfall reaches expected levels, it could take weeks for recovery efforts to complete. Residents are being told to have plenty of heat and food to last out the storm, with experts warning that chimneys and exhausts need to be kept open to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.