Hanford, California – Feet of snow and wind gusts up to 60 mph are set to bury the central Sierra, creating dangerous to impossible travel through Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. PST Thursday for the Sierra Nevada from Mariposa and Madera counties south through Fresno and Tulare counties, including Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park. Additional snow totals of 3 to 4 feet are expected above 6,000 feet, with 5 to 7 feet over the highest peaks. Areas around 4,000 feet could see 1 to 2 feet, with several inches to a foot down to 3,000 feet.
Communities including Oakhurst, Shaver Lake, Bass Lake, Grant Grove, Lodgepole and Wawona will face heavy snow and blowing snow. Highways 41, 168, 180 and mountain park roads may become impassable at times.
Snow levels between 3,000 and 4,000 feet will allow light accumulations as low as 2,000 feet into Wednesday. Officials urge travelers to check Caltrans road conditions by calling 511 and delay mountain travel if possible. Snow and strong winds will persist through Thursday evening.
