12 Deaths Recorded After California's San Bernardino Mountains Suffer from Heavy Snow, Winter Storms

Weather reports revealed that 12 people were found dead in snow-hit San Bernardino Mountains after heavy snowstorms, causing many residents to become stranded at their homes without supplies and electricity.

The recent heavy snow struck Southern California, especially San Bernardino County, where massive snow was reported.

Recently, CNN reported that about 13 countries were under a state of emergency after snowstorms caused widespread power outages and snow in the region.

Heavy snow and deaths

(Photo : by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
March 3, 2023 in Crestline, California. Twelve people were found dead after heavy snow and snowstorms hit San Bernardino Mountains, causing many residents to become stranded at their homes 

ABC7 and AccuWeather reported that about 12 people were found in heavy snow-affected San Bernardino Mountains after clearing and snow removal operations came to the rescue.

According to AccuWeather and National Weather Service, about 100 inches of snow unloaded in parts of Lake Arrowhead.  

Residents and communities in the San Bernardino Mountains dealt with the challenging snow storms without electricity and enough food supplies. 

Back-to-back snowstorms were unloaded in Southern California that raised concerns over the massive snow.

Based on the reports, only one death is considered weather-related.

The remaining casualties will undergo autopsies to determine the causes of death.

In the AccuWeather report, residents were caught unprepared after the heavy snowstorms hit San Bernardino County and Running Springs.

The unusual snow left homes stranded, as some stayed there for a weekend getaway.

Furthermore, the situation became more life-threatening due to extreme cold and widespread power outages.

The lack of emergency food supplies made the problem harder for communities.

Meanwhile, ABC7 reported that authorities in California would respond to calls for help in affected communities.

The Guardian added that rescue efforts and authorities looked into a possible gas leak after the severe winter storms.

 The report said that rescue operations and firefighters helped to clear snow from roofs that could cause roof collapse.

Flooding threat

Recently, AccuWeather and Nature World News (NWN) reported the possible flooding forecasts in California due to snowmelt and atmospheric event.

According to forecasts, flooding concerns could emerge in parts of San Francisco, Redding, Salinas and Santa Barbara.

Also Read: Two Snowstorms Likely to Emerge in Northeastern US in Coming Weeks, Forecast Warns

The weather reports advised Californians to keep updated with the weather conditions in the region, especially regarding the flooding risk.

Meanwhile, the NWS Sacramento said to stay safe from heavy rain and flooding this week.

The advisory said warm and wet snow could be possible in North California from Thursday to Sunday. 

In the latest key message on Twitter, the National Weather Prediction Center reported the potential winter storm impacting portions of the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northern Mid-Atlantic.

The forecast warned of possible snow conditions in Lake Erie, Michigan, southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

The weather key message warned of possible road hazards:

• Reduced road visibility
• Snow-covered roads
• Slippery and slick roads
• Blowing of snow

Motorists are advised to stay alert with the weather conditions this week, anticipating slower commutes and travel disruptions.

On the other hand, Reuters previously reported that the snowpack in California helped to ease the prolonged drought.

The snow and rain improved California's reservoirs, which are essential for storing water.

Related Article: California Weather Forecast: Possible Snowmelt, Rain Could Result in Dangerous Flooding Conditions

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