Amador County – A powerhouse winter storm dropped snowfall across Amador County on Monday, forcing road closures and causing blackouts. Caltrans crews were out early clearing roadways with snow plows. At close to noon, Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner said he was short-handed due to deputies stranded at home due to impassable roads in the upcountry. He said Highway 88 was closed east of Dalton Road, and Ridge Road was open, but icy in spots. He said there were power lines and trees down all over the place, and public works and sheriff’s personnel were all over the county assisting with clean-up. He recommended that people should not go out on the roads. Wegner said spin-outs and vehicles leaving the road were reported all over the county. Power was out throughout Jackson, including at the sheriff’s office, and he had called in an injured officer to assist with dispatch duties. As of Monday afternoon, PG & E reported 4 major power outages in Amador County. Three outages in Jackson affected 50 to 499 customers with restoration expected by late Monday afternoon. In Ione, 1 outage affecting 1 to 49 customers also caused periodic outages. In nearby Mokelumne Hill, 2 major outages reportedly left between 500 and 5000 customers without power. Power outages were also reported on Irishtow Road, Homestead Road, and near Volcano. At about 11:45 a.m., a downed and arcing power line was reported. The National Weather Service predicted a cold storm front from Canada would bring one to two inches of snow to the down country area, but snowfall has been more than expected and at lower elevations. The hills overlooking the San Francisco bay area received a rare dusting, while residents in Stoctkon and Modesto woke up to snowfall. Caltrans is reminding residents that chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on most open roadways in the higher elevations. Due to the icy and snow covered roadways, residents are asked to limit their travels to essential travel only. Kirkwood Mountain Resort reported 28 to 40 inches of snowfall. The arrival of Sunday's storm has delivered over three feet of snow,” said Julie Koster, Kirkwood’s Director of Sales and Marketing. There is a 30 percent chance of snow showers before 10 pm on Monday with widespread frost after 4 a.m. TSPN will continue to follow this unusual weather pattern and bring you the latest details. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.