California's extreme winter storms disrupt travel and trigger avalanche risks
Heavy snow and treacherous conditions have hit California's mountain regions this week. Storms brought rain, lightning, and strong winds to Southern California, while deep snowfall in the north disrupted travel and rescue operations. Drivers are being warned of possible closures on key routes, including the 5 Freeway, due to low visibility and icy roads.
The worst of the weather struck on Thursday, with Southern California's mountains facing dangerous driving conditions. Snow, high winds, and poor visibility made travel risky. Meanwhile, a mistaken alert from Caltrans caused confusion after it incorrectly warned of snow chain requirements on the 101 Freeway near Thousand Oaks. The agency later admitted the error and removed the message.
In northern California, nearly a metre of fresh snow has fallen since an avalanche near Castle Peak in the Tahoe National Forest. The incident, northwest of Lake Tahoe, left avalanche risks high and complicated ongoing rescue efforts. The Sierra Nevada, especially around Tahoe, remains the hardest-hit area, with deep snow and hazardous conditions persisting.
The storms also brought dramatic weather to lower elevations, including heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Authorities continue to monitor road conditions, with the 5 Freeway among the routes at risk of temporary closures if conditions worsen.
The storms have left parts of California grappling with snow, wind, and disrupted travel. Rescue teams in the north face ongoing challenges due to deep snow and avalanche threats. Drivers are urged to check for updates before heading into mountain areas, as road closures and chain controls remain possible.
