Hanford, CA – Travel through the Sierra Nevada could shut down as up to 7 feet of snow buries higher elevations and winds gust to 60 mph through Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday for much of the central Sierra, including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Shaver Lake, Bass Lake, Hume Lake and areas above 4,000 feet. The Grapevine near Tejon Pass remains under a warning until 9 a.m. Thursday.
Snow totals of 3 to 5 feet are expected above 6,000 feet, with 5 to 7 feet possible on the highest peaks. Between 4,000 and 6,000 feet, 1 to 2 feet of snow is likely. Snow levels will fall to 4,000 feet Tuesday morning, with light accumulations down to 3,000 feet by Tuesday night into Wednesday.
In Tehachapi and Frazier Park, additional snowfall up to 27 inches is possible with wind gusts near 50 mph. Along the Grapevine, 1 to 2 inches of wet snow could create slick stretches on Interstate 5.
Whiteout conditions and falling tree branches may block mountain highways, including Highways 41, 168, 180 and 198. Officials urge drivers to delay travel and check 511 for real-time road conditions.
Warnings remain in effect through Wednesday night, with hazardous travel likely to continue into early Thursday.
