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Storm Shuts Roads To Yosemite, Forces Evacuations

YOSEMITE (CBS/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 was out across Yosemite Valley and about 200 visitors were being evacuated.

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

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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