Winter Storm Causes Landslide, Forces Evacuations

(AP) - A wintry storm arriving three weeks into spring is expected to deliver widespread rain and snow to parts of California and Nevada.

The storm, expected to bring most of its moisture early Friday, brought howling winds to the top of the Sierra Nevada on Thursday as it headed in from the Pacific Ocean.

Gusts up to 115 mph (185 kph) ripped across a few ridges in the Lake Tahoe area, while blasts up to 55 mph (89 kph) hit the Tahoe Basin and some areas north and south, the National Weather Service said.

Up to 4 feet (1 meter) of snow was possible along the Sierra Crest and at Mammoth Mountain, the popular ski resort where more than 45 feet (14 meters) of snow has been recorded this season at the main lodge.

Officials also say heavy rains and high gusts of wind softened already saturated grounds and caused a landslide in the Oakland hills.

Residents in at least six homes were forced to evacuate Thursday night. Crews were evaluating the situation Friday.

There were no reports of injuries or damage to the homes.

However, officials say evacuations were still necessary due to the instability of the hillside.

There were also reports of several downed trees in the area.