Sacramento, CA – A powerful late-season winter storm will hit the Sierra Nevada early Tuesday, threatening to shut down major travel routes and impact commutes through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 2 a.m. Tuesday to 5 p.m. Wednesday for elevations above 5,000 feet across the Sierra and southern Cascades. Snow totals of 12 to 18 inches are expected, with up to 2 feet at the highest peaks. Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour मंगलवार afternoon and evening, while wind gusts climb to 50 mph.
Critical corridors including Interstate 80 over Donner Pass and Highway 50 through Echo Summit will likely see chain controls, heavy snow coverage, and possible closures. Areas such as Blue Canyon, Kingvale, Donner Peak, and Lassen National Park will face the most severe conditions, with snow levels dropping from 6,500 feet Tuesday to near 4,500 feet by Wednesday.
Travel conditions will deteriorate rapidly during peak snowfall Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night, with visibility reduced and roads becoming snow-packed. Strong winds may down trees and power lines, creating isolated outages in mountain communities.
Drivers are urged to delay travel if possible and check Caltrans updates via 511 before heading into the mountains. Carry emergency supplies if travel is unavoidable.
Conditions will begin improving late Wednesday, but lingering snow and impacts could extend into early Thursday.
