Business
Up to 5 Feet of Snow Shuts Roads, Threatens Travel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A powerful late-season winter storm slammed the Sierra Nevada on Saturday, prompting active Winter Storm Warnings across Northern California’s mountain ranges as heavy snow, strong winds and whiteout conditions made travel dangerous or impossible on major highways including Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and routes near Lake Tahoe.
The National Weather Service in Sacramento upgraded an earlier Winter Storm Watch to a full Warning for the West Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County, effective from Friday evening through Sunday night, with some advisories extending into Monday. Forecasters warned of widespread accumulations of 1 to 2 feet of snow above 4,500 feet, with 2 to 5 feet possible above 6,000 feet and locally higher amounts at peaks. Snow levels dropped sharply to as low as 4,000-4,500 feet, bringing heavy wet snow to lower elevations.
Wind gusts reached 50-55 mph in the mountains, with isolated higher gusts up to 80-90 mph on exposed ridges, creating blizzard-like conditions and near-zero visibility at times. The storm, fueled by back-to-back upper-level lows from the Pacific with precipitable water values 150-200% of normal, intensified through Saturday and was expected to continue impacting the region into Sunday evening.
Caltrans reported widespread chain controls and multiple road closures Saturday as snow accumulated rapidly on passes. Donner Pass on I-80 saw heavy snow and gusty winds, leading to difficult or impossible travel in spots. Similar conditions affected Highway 50 over Echo Summit and routes near Yosemite and Lassen Park. Officials urged drivers to delay all non-essential travel, carry emergency supplies and use extreme caution if venturing into the mountains.
In Western Plumas County and areas around Quincy, Chester and Blue Canyon, the heaviest snow fell overnight Friday into Saturday, with rates heavy at times. NWS forecasters noted the potential for 3-4 feet or more at the highest elevations, including popular ski resort areas. Lower elevations in the Sierra foothills saw a mix of rain turning to snow, while the Sacramento Valley remained under a Flood Watch due to heavy rainfall.
The Reno NWS office issued its own Winter Storm Warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area and eastern Sierra slopes, effective Saturday afternoon through Sunday night. Accumulations of 2-8 inches were forecast below 8,000 feet, with 6-12 inches or more above that level. Winds gusting to 80 mph raised concerns for tree damage, power outages and blowing snow.
This unusual April storm arrived after weeks of warmer, drier conditions, catching some residents and visitors off guard as spring activities were underway. Ski resorts in the region, already winding down their seasons, saw an unexpected boost in snow but also operational challenges from high winds and heavy accumulations. Some lifts were temporarily halted for safety.
Emergency management officials in counties from Lassen to Placer activated cold-weather protocols and opened warming centers where needed. Power utilities reported monitoring for outages caused by wind and wet snow loading on lines. In lower elevations, the combination of rain and melting snow raised minor flood risks in burn scar areas from previous wildfires.
Travelers heading to or from Reno-Tahoe International Airport or crossing the Sierra faced significant delays. Airlines reported some cancellations and ground stops due to mountain weather. Amtrak’s California Zephyr route, which traverses the Sierra, experienced disruptions.
The storm system is part of a broader pattern of active Pacific weather affecting the West Coast. While beneficial for California’s snowpack — which had been running below average in some areas — the timing created hazards for hikers, campers and those planning outdoor spring events. NWS meteorologists emphasized that even modest accumulations at mid-elevations could make unpaved roads impassable.
As of Sunday morning, April 12, the warnings remained in effect with the most intense snowfall tapering but lingering showers and gusty winds continuing. Additional accumulations of several inches were still possible in higher terrain before the system fully exits. Forecasters anticipated gradual improvement by Monday, with drier and milder conditions returning mid-week.
Residents and visitors were reminded to check Caltrans QuickMap and NWS forecasts frequently. Key safety tips included packing chains or snow tires, carrying extra food, water and blankets, and informing others of travel plans. Avalanche danger rose with the heavy new snow on top of existing base in some areas.
This late-season event highlights the Sierra Nevada’s reputation for dramatic weather swings even in April. Similar powerful spring storms have occurred in past years, sometimes delivering record snow while disrupting travel and infrastructure.
State and local agencies coordinated responses, with Caltrans crews working around the clock to clear and treat roads. In Plumas and Sierra counties, officials advised staying indoors during the peak of the storm if possible, especially in rural areas.
The heavy precipitation also brought a chance of thunderstorms, adding lightning and brief heavy downpours to the mix at lower elevations. As the snow levels rose again late Sunday, rain was expected to dominate below 5,000-6,000 feet.
For many Californians, the storm provided a stark reminder that winter conditions can return abruptly in the mountains. While the moisture helps replenish reservoirs and snowpack ahead of the dry summer months, the immediate impacts on transportation and safety dominated concerns this weekend.
As conditions evolve, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Travelers should prepare for lingering impacts even after warnings expire, including slushy or icy roads in shaded areas and potential debris on highways.
The Sierra Nevada’s 2026 late-season storm has delivered a dramatic dose of winter weather, testing preparedness and reminding residents and visitors alike of the range’s formidable power.
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Kaynar Group founder Kyle Ringin has been named the First Amongst Equals at the 2026 40under40 business awards, taking out the top honour recognising Western Australia’s emerging business leaders.
More than 600 people took to Crown to celebrate the tradie-turned-entrepreneur and 39 others in the 25th year of the Business News awards gala on Friday evening.
Attendees were entertained with a night of performances by Williams Creative Co, Japanese Wadaiko ensemble Taiko On and DJ crossed with live music duo, The New Now.
Having judged most of the 40under40 awards since its inception in 2002, Business News senior journalist and chief judge Mark Pownall said WA has continued to offer up a diverse cohort of excellent candidates.
Choosing the winners, he said, remained a challenge from the beginning.
“In our first year of 40under40, the judging panel caused a bit of angst for the event organisers by deciding to name two winners, because we could not split the tied pair,” Mr Pownall said.
“One was from a family business, the other from corporate WA.
“I felt that start set the tone for 40under40.”
Now, a total of 1,000 of WA’s business leaders have been inducted as 40under40 winners.
“It is not about any one sector in this state – it isn’t just small business, or family business, or startup founder, or careerists who have made it on St Georges Terrace,” Mr Pownall said.
“All of those can have a crack, and they have.”
Having undertaken an extensive interview and application process, Mr Ringin was recognised as both First Amongst Equals and the winner of the Family Business category.
Working as an apprentice auto electrician and workshop foreman in Broome, he identified a gap in the Kimberley for a reliable, locally skilled trades provider.
That led him to establish maintenance, mining and civil solutions provider Kaynar Group with his wife and co-founder Shaylee Greechan in 2020.
Mr Ringin has turned operating in extreme remoteness into a competitive advantage, all while delivering real impact for WA’s north.
Kaynar Group has grown rapidly over the past five years in both revenue and staff, employing more than 130 people.
But Mr Ringin‘s secret to success is simple – to seize any opportunity when it comes.
“One of our clients had a need for a mining provider when their current mining provider left,” he said after receiving the top honour.
“We stepping in without any right to be doing that, and delivered a mining program for six months to an exceptional standard that taught us we can deliver other disciplines as well.”
Using a people-first approach, Mr Ringin continues to build his local workforce and create opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous remote youth through apprenticeships, TAFE and community partnerships.
“We are a people business and we trade in time but our product is trust, and this represents that,” Mr Ringin said.
First Amongst Equals finalists Jessica Wilson, Ben Smith and Kyle Hoath missed out on the top honour, but all won in other categories.
Ms Wilson, a Yindjibarndi and Njamal entrepreneur and artist, took home the Indigenous Business award.
As the founder of Seven Sisters Collective, she helps find opportunities for Indigenous artists on large projects and builds education among businesses.
After a career spanning hyper-growth consumer brands, Mr Smith’s leadership as chief executive of alcohol, drug and mental health support provider Holyoake earned him the Community, Social Enterprise or Not for Profit award.
And Dr Hoath, a defining voice in the state’s medical and civil leadership, won the Small or Start-Up Business award.
The consultant psychiatrist and newly elected President of the Australian Medical Association WA co-founded Oqea – a technology platform modernising mental health care.
The Pantry Group founder Sam Kaye was recognised with the People’s Choice award – recognising his journey which went from working at Daisies Cottesloe to owning the cafe alongside three other hospitality venues.
The other major category winners include:
You can read more about each of the winners in the May 18 edition of Business News’ print magazine, which will also be available online.
Congratulations to all of 2026’s 40under40 winners:
Jessica Wilson: Seven Sisters Collective
Sam Kaye: The Pantry Group
Zoran Aleksic: PCH Civil
Stephen Tormey: Bennco Engineering
David Gozzard: The University of Western Australia
Justin Barnes: Rocket Launcher
Tandin Dorji: Kingston International College
Joshua Wigley: Hyperion Systems
Mathew Wilson: Wilco Maintenance Solutions
Rowan Streater: Mayfair Building Co
Kane Smith: Smartfix
Alastair Mackenzie: Buddiup
Benn Ellard: White Spark Pictures / Surround Sync
Jo Gibb: Coliving Collective
Mark Bond: Consolidated Electrical Solutions
Luke Whelan: Perth is OK! / Social Meteor
Michael Agostino: Trendsetter Homes / Select Living
Damien Wragg: Trainwest
Ashley McGrath: CEOs for Gender Equity
Isabelle Charter: Betterlabs
Jeroen van Dalen: Integral Development Associates
Catherine Hyde: Amity Resources
Rachel Falzon: Women in Defence Association
Eli Barlow: Funday Entertainment Group / Lavender Estate
Jonathan Cover: JPS Management and Execution / Safe Isolation Australia
Mark D’Alessandro: Contec Australia / JCM Property Group
Samantha Johnson: Sexual Health Quarters
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq have advanced to record closing highs, boosted by robust earnings and a dip in crude prices.
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Q1: 2026-04-29 Earnings Summary
EPS of $4.17 misses by $0.16
| Revenue of $2.44B (9.84% Y/Y) misses by $65.83M
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Ronojoy Banerjee
Communications Lead – Finance
Good morning, and a very warm welcome to this Volvo Cars press conference, where we will be talking about our first quarter financial results and our strategic direction as a company.
My name is Ron. And as always, this morning, I’m joined by our President and Chief Executive, Hakan Samuelsson; our Chief Financial Officer, Fredrik Hansson; and we’re also joined by our Chief Commercial Officer, Erik Severinson. At the start of this press conference, Hakan, Erik and Fredrik will walk us through our performance. And thereafter, we’ll throw it open for a question-and-answer round.
You can participate in the Q&A around in two ways. [Operator Instructions ] I’ll come back with more information ahead of the Q&A round.
But for now, I’ll hand it over to you, Hakan.
Hakan Samuelsson
CEO, President & Director
Thank you, Ron, and welcome to the presentation of our quarter 1 result. It has been a mixed bag quarter. I mean external factors, extremely turbulent geopolitical situation, tariffs, currency also has been negative for us. Altogether, that has given us a revenue drop of 12%, 11% volume drop.
But we have also seen a very successful internal work with cost and cash. And that is really the reason why we have closed the quarter. Despite 11% volume drop, we have a profitability level more or less equal to first quarter last year. And that is thanks
Abel took a moment to reflect on Berkshire’s values. He started by talking about a letter he sent to the company’s 400,000 employees when he took over as CEO in January.
The letter, he said, talked about how important Berkshire’s values were–and are. Integrity is at the top of the list.
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