Yosemite National Park Being Evacuated After Storm Knocks Out Power, Closes Roads

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) -- All roads into Yosemite National Park have been temporarily closed after a major storm dumped snow, caused mudslides and downed trees and power lines.

   Park officials said Monday that power is out across Yosemite Valley and about 200 visitors are being evacuated.

   Officials say the weekend storm dropped more than 3.5 feet of snow throughout the park in the last 24 hours, including in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Crane Flat.

   Highways 41, 120 and 140 entering the park have been closed.

   The California Highway Patrol says Highway 41 has been reopened outside the park despite hazardous conditions from snow and toppled trees. Downed trees and power lines have also shut down Highway 140 outside the park between El Portal and Midpines.

   Officials say they're not sure when those roads will reopen.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)