US weather forecast: Los Angeles gets first blizzard warning in 34 years, 1000 flights cancelled, massive snowfall predicted

Known for its warm climate, Southern California’s winter storms expected to intensify on Friday and has brought the first blizzard warning to Southern California since 1989.

Agencies
Southern California, which is typically warm, is currently experiencing its first blizzard warning since 1989 due to the winter storm that began on Thursday and is expected to intensify on Friday. Meanwhile, the northern part of the United States has already been hit hard by a massive storm, resulting in significant snowfall and extremely low temperatures.

While the south-eastern region of the United States enjoyed a heat wave that broke records, a cold snap hit other parts of the country. As a result of unsafe road conditions, the California Highway Patrol closed Interstate 5, the longest interstate in the state, and redirected heavier traffic to Highway 101. Forecasters are anticipating massive amounts of snowfall, up to 8ft (2.4m), in the mountains located north and east of Los Angeles by Saturday.

Powerful winds of 60-75mph (96-120 km/h) are expected to hit the mountains, while coastal areas may face flooding due to the icy weather front that extends along the entire US West Coast, including the Canadian province of British Columbia.


According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a winter storm warning is in effect for the coastal Ventura County and Los Angeles County mountains from early Friday through Saturday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has cautioned that the heavy snowfall is on the cards, urging California residents to stay at home unless it is necessary to venture out.

As of Friday morning, almost 1,000 flight cancellations have been reported across the United States due to the severe weather conditions.
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From Houston, Texas, and Tampa, Florida, to Cleveland, Ohio, and Denver, Colorado, passengers are sharing photos and videos of crowded baggage claim areas and long lines at reservation counters. Colorado Public Radio says that the average wait time on Southwest's customer service phone line was more than two hours and could go as high as four hours.

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The Sierra Avalanche Center has warned of "dangerous avalanche conditions" across the Sierra Nevada range.

Unusual weather conditions have caused schools in the far northwest region of the state to close on Thursday. Jeff Napier, an official with the Del Norte County Schools District, informed the Los Angeles Times that it was the first snow day they have had in the 31 years he has been with the district.

Portland, Oregon received almost 11 inches of snow, the second snowiest day ever recorded, as per NWS.

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A one-year-old child was critically injured after a redwood tree fell into a home in California's Bay Area. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across five states lost power. Washington DC experienced high temperatures of 81F, while more storms are expected in California next week.

FAQs:

  1. Who is the director of National Weather Service?
    Kenneth Graham.
  2. What is the parent agency of National Weather Service?
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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