Thousands without power during snowy weekend in Merced region. Another storm on its way
More than 13,400 power outages Monday were concentrated in Mariposa, Madera and Fresno counties where mountaintops were pummeled with snow, according to Pacific Gas and Electric.
Many of those users have been without power since Friday.
Forecasts are calling for more rain in the San Joaquin Valley and snow in the Sierra, according to the National Weather Service.
The bulk of the precipitation in the storm is expected Tuesday afternoon and night, the service said. About a half-inch of rainfall is predicted for Merced and the Valley.
Mariposa and Oakhurst could see about 6 inches of snow at the same time as well as 3 to 4 feet in Yosemite Valley and Shaver Lake, according to meteorologists.
Winds gusting as high as 30 mph Wednesday are predicted to usher the storm out of the region, replaced with overnight cold — a low of 27 degrees Thursday morning and 30 degrees Friday.
A Blizzard Warning in the Sierra went into effect at 10 a.m. Monday and would remain in place until 4 p.m. Wednesday, the service said. Snow is expected to reach down to 2,000 feet.
Elsewhere, Fresno-area infrastructure took a beating from weekend rain and snow leaving roads closed and people without power, officials said Monday.
Large portions of Highway 168 in the foothills were impassable due to snowfall so were closed until they could be cleared.
The California Department of Transportation closed the four-lane section of the highway through the weekend.
The Fresno County Department of Public Works closed off Old Millerton Road between 168 and Auberry Road to clear the roads beginning Saturday, according to department spokesperson Michelle Avalos.
She said that portion of the road is estimated to be closed through March 9.
This story was originally published February 27, 2023 at 12:16 PM with the headline "Thousands without power during snowy weekend in Merced region. Another storm on its way."
