Significant traffic and power-related challenges are currently affecting the Mother Lode region in California due to worsening weather conditions.
As of 12:28 PM, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has reported that a vehicle is stuck in the snow at the 22000 block of Black Oak Drive in Twain Harte. In addition, phone lines have fallen across the roadway on Broadhurst Drive, near Sierra Pines Drive, which may cause further disruptions. County officials are investigating a possible sinkhole affecting a lane of traffic on Italian Bar Road, located under two miles outside of Columbia, adding to the region’s travel hazards.
Earlier updates revealed that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PGE) is addressing widespread power outages across the area. As of 12:12 PM, 5,389 customers, particularly in Vallecito, Forest Meadows, and Arnold, are without power, with no estimated time for restoration provided. In the Tuolumne area, separate incidents are affecting an additional 166 customers along North Tuolumne Road, Knox Road, Slope Lane, Confluence Road, and Mt. Provo Road. A timeline for power restoration in these locations has not yet been established.
As of 7:15 AM, progress was reported in restoring power to Arnold, where most residents had their electricity restored, although 30 customers still remained without power. Full restoration was projected to be completed by 1 PM.
The situation began early in the morning when PG&E reported that 246 customers near Arnold lost power just after midnight due to a fallen tree on a power line in the vicinity of Pine Knoll Drive. Additionally, 45 customers lost power in Tuolumne County between Big Hill and Cedar Ridge after a tree struck a power line late Monday evening along Charles Otter Drive, with restoration efforts planned for completion by 3:30 PM.
As the region grapples with these issues, residents are encouraged to stay updated on travel conditions and power restoration efforts.