Extreme Weather Alert: Blizzard Warning In California

California has been experiencing extreme weather and disasters from the elements recently and it isn’t going to get better soon.

Major avalanches have been reported in the mountains of California and another storm heading in is expected to bring up to 12 feet of snow to one region.

Major Avalanche in California: More Snow Coming

For the first time ever a Hurricane Wind Warning was issued in California early in February. This was preceded by and followed by record rainfall and landslides in some areas. In the mountains, there have been massive avalanches reported. One avalanche on Mount Shasta was 3 miles wide and left a snow debris pile 60 feet deep.

The Sierra Avalance Center reported that a recent avalanche between Ralston and Baldy Peak had a crown depth of up to 6 feet in some areas, was due to warmer temperatures and light winds. These conditions created heavy, wet surface snow and prime avalanche conditions. The center emphasized the importance of staying aware and informed of snow conditions for those planning to visit the mountains. Especially ‘in the aftermath of storm cycles’ it states on NewsBreak.

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Credit NWS

That is important to be aware of as a Blizzard Warning has been issued for the Sierras by the National Weather Service. A new storm is headed to California and is expected to drop between 5 and 12 feet of snow on the Sierra, Southern Cascades, and Coastal Ranges between Thursday and Sunday (February 29th through March 3rd).

Some scientists believe that over the next 70 years, most beaches in California will have suffered irreversible erosion damage.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF