Sacramento, CA – A major Sierra snowstorm is set to begin late Wednesday, November 12, and continue through Friday morning, bringing up to 2 feet of snow and dangerous travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
Snow is expected to develop late Wednesday evening above 8,000 feet, then rapidly lower to 5,000–6,000 feet Thursday and 4,000–5,000 feet by early Friday. Forecasters project 4 to 8 inches of snow above 5,000 feet, with 1 to 2 feet accumulating over high passes including Donner, Carson, and Echo Summits.
Southwest winds could gust up to 50 mph, producing whiteout conditions and drifting snow across exposed ridges. The National Weather Service warns of significant travel delays, chain controls, and difficult driving conditions, particularly along Interstate 80, U.S. 50, and Highway 88.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and check Caltrans QuickMap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) for real-time road updates. The heaviest snow is expected between Thursday morning and late Thursday night, with hazardous conditions persisting through early Friday, November 14.
Forecasters say visibility will be reduced at times, and travel disruptions are likely throughout the Sierra corridor.
