A powerful winter storm is currently wreaking havoc on parts of the West Coast, bringing with it flood-like conditions and extreme weather patterns. California is experiencing dangerous scenes due to the heavy rainfall in just a matter of days, while the Nevada mountains are expected to be buried under up to 12 feet of snow. The storm is projected to last through Sunday, possibly even extending into Monday and Tuesday.
The severity of this storm is unparalleled in terms of winter weather across the United States. Whiteout conditions and wind gusts exceeding 100 MPH have been reported, with the storm reaching equivalent strength to a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with projections indicating that the highest elevations could receive up to 12 feet of snow. Areas around Lake Tahoe at 6000 feet could see 4 to 6 feet of snow, leading to potentially crippling conditions.
The impact of the storm is not limited to mountainous regions, as it is expected to spill over into the leeward side of the mountain range, affecting places like Reno, Nevada. Treacherous conditions have been reported on I-80 at Donner Pass, with blizzard warnings in effect.
Meanwhile, in Texas, firefighters are battling the state's largest wildfire as the storm's effects are felt across the western half of the U.S. The storm's influence has led to increased winds in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, raising concerns about fire danger. Critical fire weather conditions are expected on Saturday and Sunday, posing a significant challenge for ongoing firefighting efforts, including the battle against the Smokehouse Creek Fire that has already burned over a million acres.
