A powerful winter storm is bearing down on much of Northern and Central California, prompting widespread Winter Storm Warnings through Friday from multiple National Weather Service offices. Heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions are expected across the Sierra Nevada, Cascade ranges, and higher elevations of Northern California, including the Lake Tahoe region, Yosemite National Park, Siskiyou County, Trinity County, and the Eastern Sierra. In many mountain areas, snow will fall through Friday morning or evening, with some warnings extending until late Friday night.
Snow accumulations are expected to be extreme at higher elevations. Forecasts call for one to three feet of snow in many mountain zones, with several locations — including Yosemite’s high country, the upper Sierra, and parts of the Northern Sierra and Eastern Sierra — potentially seeing totals measured in multiple feet. Snow levels will fluctuate but are expected to drop as low as 3,500 to 4,500 feet in some regions, bringing hazardous conditions to major mountain passes. Winds gusting between 45 and 100 mph along ridges could lead to whiteout conditions, falling trees, and power outages.
Officials warn that travel may be very difficult to impossible at times, with chain controls, road closures, and sudden visibility drops likely across affected highways, including Interstate 5 near Mount Shasta, U.S. 395, and numerous Sierra passes. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, carry emergency supplies, and check the latest road conditions through Caltrans or by dialing 511. The storm is expected to significantly disrupt holiday travel and outdoor activities, with conditions remaining dangerous through the end of the week.