Hanford, CA – Heavy snow and powerful winds will slam the Sierra Nevada starting early Tuesday, making travel dangerous to impossible across major mountain routes through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 2 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday for higher elevations of Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and surrounding Sierra مناطق. Snow totals of 3 to 5 inches are expected above 7,000 feet, with 12 to 18 inches possible along the highest peaks. Wind gusts could reach 75 mph along the Sierra crest.
Areas including Tuolumne Meadows, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Lodgepole, and Cedar Grove will face the most severe conditions. Key mountain routes such as CA-120 (Tioga Pass), CA-180, and CA-198 could become snow-covered or impassable, especially during peak snowfall Tuesday morning and again Tuesday night.
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds may down trees and power lines, leading to isolated outages in mountain communities. Visibility will drop sharply during periods of blowing snow, further complicating travel.
Officials urge drivers to avoid non-essential travel. If travel is necessary, carry emergency supplies including food, water, and a flashlight. Check road conditions by calling 511 before heading into the mountains.
Conditions will begin improving after 5 p.m. Wednesday, but additional advisories are possible if snow bands persist or winds remain strong.
