Sacramento, CA – A powerful winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions across Northern California, with a Winter Storm Warningin effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday for higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Sacramento, snowfall will accumulate between 3 to 8 inches around 2,000 feet and up to 2 feet above 3,500 feet in Shasta County. Meanwhile, in Western Plumas County and the West Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada, snow totals could reach 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with lower elevations seeing up to 15 inches. Wind gusts could reach 45 to 60 mph, further reducing visibility and making travel dangerous.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday night through midday Thursday, with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. The storm is expected to impact Thursday morning and evening commutes, with chain controls and possible road closures.
Snow levels will start as low as 1,000 to 2,000 feet Wednesday night before rising to 4,500 to 6,000 feet by Thursday. Motorists should check Caltrans QuickMap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) or dial 511 for updated road conditions before traveling.
