Update at 12:21 p.m.: Another warming center has been opened in the West Point area of Calaveras County. Sheriff’s officials relay that any residents without power or heat in that area can come to the center. Calaveras County Health and Human Services staffs this warming center to provide a safe spot for people to warm themselves during the storm.
“We are continuously examining shelter possibilities in response to requests or requirements, and we are in regular communication with the Health and Human Services Agency and the American Red Cross regarding this issue,” shared health officials.
Also available at the shelter are supply bags that include water, snacks, and other basic items. It is located at:
Below updates written by BJ Hansen at 10:52 am: Bear Valley Ski Resort has closed today (Thursday). It is due to the “risk of snow slides and unsafe snow conditions.”
Adding, “We deeply appreciate the efforts of our team who worked hard in preparation to open. However, their safety and the safety of our guests remains our highest priority. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to assess conditions and focus on a safe return to operations.”
Dodge Ridge is operating today.
Update at 9:40 am: PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith is providing an update on efforts to restore power in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties.
Calaveras County has 9,564 customers without electricity, and Tuolumne County has 5,480.
Smith notes, “The biggest challenge for our crews right now is access in some locations due to the low snow. We have sufficient crews to respond, but being able to safely get our crews to where they need to be in order to make the repair has been challenging in some areas of the foothills. In fact, in some instances, even getting someone to a point where we can safely get close enough to the area to assess the damage and provide a restoration estimate has been difficult. We expect much of that to be alleviated by this afternoon, with the hope that we can get most customers an accurate restoration estimate at that point.”
Smith concludes, “We appreciate our customers’ patience. We know it’s never convenient to be without power, especially for an extended period of time. Our crews are working diligently to get customers restored safely and as quickly as possible.”
Also this morning, the Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services has opened its non-emergency phone up at 209-533-5151. It is for non-emergency calls between 8 am – 5pm (if people need information about anything).
Emergency shelters are also still set up for those needing a warm space at the Tuolumne Community Resilience Center and the Groveland Community Resilience Center. People can also stop by the Murphys Fire Station throughout the day.
Original story posted at 6:05 am: Sonora, CA — With very low elevation snow across the Sierra Foothills, many schools are either delayed or closed today.
Click here to view the latest list and refresh the page throughout the morning as new information comes into the news center. Watch Resources is also closed today.
Power outages remain scattered across the Mother Lode region. In Calaveras County, they are mostly around Avery, Arnold and Dorrington. In Tuolumne County, they are in Cedar Ridge, Twain Harte, Tuolumne, Mi Wuk Village, and Long Barn. Additional outages are likely today due to the low snow. The estimated restoration times are all over the place. Some are anticipated to be restored by Friday at 7 am, others could be Saturday at 8 pm, or Sunday at 6 pm. Access has been challenging.
In Calaveras County, people can stop by the Murphys Fire Station today from 8 am until 10 pm, and they will have device charging, blankets, snacks and water. Calaveras has proclaimed a local State of Emergency declaration.
Tuolumne County has opened warming centers/shelters at both the Tuolumne and Groveland Resiliency Centers. Tuolumne’s is at 18693 Pine Street and Groveland’s is at 18910 Highway 120.
Recommendations from the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office are below:
Community Awareness
- Check on elderly neighbors and those with special needs
- Keep phones charged and emergency supplies ready
- Expect delays as emergency crews respond to storm-related calls
Travel Safety
- Avoid high-country travel if unprepared
- Slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and carry chains
- Check road conditions before heading out
- If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call for help
Power & Storm Hazards
- Stay clear of downed power lines — assume they are live
- Report outages to PG&E: 1-800-743-5002
- Use generators outdoors only and away from doors/windows
- Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk
Click here to find chain control requirements via Caltrans.
Click here to see the latest from the National Weather Service.
