Fresno, CA – A broad swath of central California mountain communities is experiencing winter conditions this morning as multiple Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect until 10 a.m. Friday. The National Weather Service warns of slippery roads, light snow accumulations, and gusty winds that could slow travel across the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi regions.
According to the National Weather Service, the Piute Walker Basin and Tehachapi area could see additional snow totals of up to 4 inches, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph. Slick bridges, overpasses, and mountain passes may create hazardous driving conditions for the morning commute.
Farther north, a large portion of the Sierra Nevada—including Yosemite National Park (outside the valley), Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, the Upper San Joaquin River area, and the Frazier Mountain communities—will see up to 5 inches of additional snow. Wind gusts could also reach 35 mph across these higher-elevation zones.
According to forecasters, even minor accumulations may quickly freeze on road surfaces, increasing the risk of spinouts and delays along routes such as Highway 41, Highway 180, and mountain access roads into Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Travelers heading to Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Wawona, Lodgepole, Cedar Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows should be prepared for low visibility and slick terrain.
Officials urge drivers to slow down, allow extra travel time, and use caution on stairways and sidewalks that may become icy. Road condition updates for California are available by dialing 511.
