Fresno, California – Travel across the central Sierra could grind to a halt by late Sunday night as up to 7 feet of snow buries higher elevations and wind gusts slam mountain passes through Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday until 10 p.m. Wednesday for a broad stretch of the Sierra Nevada, including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, and mountain communities from Bass Lake to Tehachapi.
Snow totals will reach 3 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with 5 to 7 feet over the highest peaks. Areas down to 4,000 feet could see 1 to 2 feet, and light accumulations may reach 3,000 feet by Tuesday night. Winds may gust as high as 60 mph, increasing the risk of downed trees and power disruptions.
Highways 41, 168, 180 and 198 into Yosemite Valley, Grant Grove and Lodgepole will likely face chain controls or closures. Communities including Shaver Lake, Oakhurst, North Fork, Camp Nelson and Frazier Park should prepare for prolonged travel disruptions and possible utility outages.
Snow levels begin near 5,500 to 6,000 feet Sunday night before dropping to around 4,000 feet Tuesday morning, expanding impacts to lower foothill communities. Drivers should delay non-essential travel, carry emergency supplies and check Caltrans road conditions by calling 511. The warning remains in effect through Wednesday night, and additional restrictions are likely as snowfall intensifies.
