Winter Storm Warning Issued for Central California Sierra Regions Through Wednesday Night

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Hanford, CA has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada region. This alert indicates that severe winter weather conditions are likely and may pose a significant threat to life and property.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad portion of central California, specifically including:

• Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra
• Fresno-Tulare Lower Sierra
• South End of the Lower Sierra
• Yosemite National Park (including the Valley and areas outside the valley)
• San Joaquin River Canyon and Upper San Joaquin River
• Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge
• Kings Canyon National Park and Grant Grove Area
• Sequoia National Park
• South End of the Upper Sierra
• Piute Walker Basin

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are urged to prepare for hazardous conditions. If travel is absolutely necessary, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, call 5-1-1. Officials warn that travel could become very difficult to impossible, particularly during the Monday morning and evening commutes.

Expected Conditions

• Snow Accumulations: Total accumulations of 3 to 5 feet are expected above 6,000 feet, with 5 to 7 feet possible over the highest elevations. Areas at 4,000 feet can expect 1 to 2 feet of snow.
• Wind: Wind gusts could reach as high as 60 mph, which may cause significant tree damage.
• Snow Levels: Levels will begin between 5,500 and 6,000 feet on Sunday night, lowering to 4,000 feet by Tuesday morning. Light snow accumulations are possible down to 3,000 feet by Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning is effective from 10:00 PM PST Sunday, February 15, until 10:00 PM PST Wednesday, February 18. The most significant impacts to travel are expected to begin with the Monday morning commute.