California’s ‘once-in-a-generation’ storm brings in heavy snow

Californians are struggling with a ‘once-in-a-generation’ storm that has brought more than 6 feet of snow, trapped some residents inside their homes and blocked highways and roads.

According to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, the state has received double the average snowfall it usually sees by March.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for at least 13 counties this week and people are instructed to stay off mountain roads.

Southern California Mountain communities are the most affected. More than 500 calls were made from people in San Bernardino Mountain asking for plow assistance, baby formula and medicines.

Yosemite is closed
The famed national park has downed shutters as it received more than 15 feet of snow in some of its areas. Rental cabins, vacation resorts and even ski resorts in California faced similar snowfall, forcing them to close down.

Northern California mountains are under a winter storm watch with snow expected on Saturday.

Silver lining?
Although the winter storm and flooding since December have caused California an estimated $1 billion in damages, it has cured half of the state’s drought problem, climate scientists say. 

But, the groundwater level is still low.