Hanford, CA – A powerful winter storm is set to impact the Sierra Nevada beginning Tuesday evening, bringing up to 4 feet of snow in higher elevations and strong winds that could make travel nearly impossible. The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday evening through Thursday evening for areas above 3,000 feet.
According to the NWS, total snow accumulations could reach 1 to 3 feet above 4,000 feet, with the highest elevations seeing up to 4 feet. Wind gusts are expected to reach 55 mph, potentially causing tree damage and hazardous driving conditions.
The affected areas include Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Grant Grove, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, and surrounding communities such as Oakhurst, Bass Lake, and Fish Camp.
Travel could be extremely difficult, particularly during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Authorities advise travelers to check road conditions before heading into the mountains and to carry emergency supplies, including chains, blankets, and extra food and water.
Residents and visitors should stay updated with the latest forecasts and be prepared for road closures and power outagesdue to heavy snow and strong winds. The storm is expected to taper off by Thursday evening, but lingering impacts could persist into the weekend.
