Mount Shasta, California – Heavy mountain snow and gusty winds will slam southern and eastern Siskiyou County beginning late Sunday morning, with dangerous travel likely on Interstate 5 and major mountain passes through early Wednesday.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Wednesday. The strongest snowfall through Monday morning will focus above 5,000 feet, where 8 to 12 inches are expected. After a brief lull Monday afternoon, colder air surges in Monday night, dropping snow levels to around 2,000 feet by Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, another 6 to 12 inches is likely late Monday through Tuesday night, with 1 to 2 feet possible above 5,000 feet by the time the storm ends. Winds may gust to 40 mph over exposed terrain, leading to blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Highways 97 and 89, Interstate 5 south of Weed, and passes including Black Butte Summit, Snowman Summit, Dead Horse Summit and Grass Lake Summit are all at risk for severe winter driving. Mt. Shasta Ski Park Road will also see hazardous conditions.
Forecasters warn a burst of heavier precipitation early Monday could briefly lower snow levels to Mt. Shasta City, resulting in accumulating snow along the I-5 corridor near Dunsmuir and Mount Shasta. That could disrupt both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Residents should avoid non-essential travel during peak snowfall, carry chains, and keep emergency supplies in vehicles. Charge devices and prepare for possible power outages in higher elevations. According to Caltrans, motorists should check QuickMap or call 511 before heading into mountain areas.
