United States: The western United States is experiencing chilly weather, rain, and blizzard warnings as a result of a winter storm.
The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for mountain ranges across California, predicting that the “cold and severe winter storm” might last into 25th February.
In other parts of the US, such as the Midwest and the Great Plains, where the storm knocked out power for more than 900,000 people, killed a fireman, and complicated travel during the past few days, the winter storm is scaling down as it intensifies in California.
Winter Wonderland on Bay Area and Central Coast @ALERTCalifornia cameras this morning. #cawx pic.twitter.com/3jJOpuK9O8
— NWS Bay Area ? (@NWSBayArea) February 24, 2023
According to the website, more than 900 flights around the US were delayed, and close to 300 planes were cancelled. Interstate 5 and other major thoroughfares were shut down south of the Oregon border.
In other parts of California, there were also flood watches and warnings in force, and numerous regions that had already been severely affected in December 2022 and January 2023 by a series of atmospheric rivers that soaked California had evacuation orders issued.
As a result of those previous storms, which dumped 121 trillion litres (32 trillion gallons) of water on the state, many people had to flee, there were power outages, and there was extensive flooding. Concern over the effects of the weather on weaker communities has also been raised in light of the most recent storm and the freezing temperatures. California has the biggest number of homeless persons in the US, and many more people lack access to reliable shelters or weatherproof housing.
Amazing satellite imagery of the incredible winter storm roaring through California.
The Sierra Nevada is currently getting pummeled by extreme snowfall rates and the worse part of the storm hasn't event arrived in SoCal where Big Bear has already received 45+ inches of snow. pic.twitter.com/Mo8pThLYxl
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) February 24, 2023
In regions of California known for their moderate climate, the thought of snow and extreme cold is unusual, and the novelty has been greeted with surprise, humour, and cautions about icy roads.