On March 2nd, a blizzard with wind gusts up to 190 miles per hour hit the Sierra Nevada region, causing heavy snowfall around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain. Blizzard warnings were issued throughout the area and led to major roads to be shut down and stay-at-home orders to be placed.
The area received over 22 inches of snowfall, causing severe accidents and delays. The California Highway Department urged individuals to stay home and postpone plans to visit the region until further notice. U.S. 395, a crucial route to Mammoth, California, was shut down for days as conditions remained unsafe.
The California Department of Transportation stated that the high number of road closures was “due to multiple spinouts and collisions, as well as whiteout conditions.” The department also mentioned that “high winds with speeds up to 60 mph are still creating whiteout conditions on the highway.”
The California Highway Department conducted rescue efforts to assist motorists trapped on the roadways. The department faced challenges as “at one point, emergency personnel and tow trucks had a difficult time getting to motorists due to blizzard conditions,” reported by a California Highway Department crew.
The California Highway Department’s rescue efforts were successful, as there were no reported casualties or injuries. The large amounts of snowfall and high wind gusts decreased in the following days.
The department has an established plan to mitigate the effects of future disasters and ensure prompt and effective rescue response.
By Justin Goldberg