Sacramento, CA – A powerful winter storm is bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds to Northern California, with accumulations of up to 5 feet expected in higher elevations. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday for areas above 5,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County, making travel hazardous.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento, snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible, with peak accumulation overnight into Tuesday. Winds could reach 70 mph in the Sierra Nevada, further reducing visibility and increasing the risk of fallen trees.
Key impacted areas include Blue Canyon, Quincy, and Chester, where 1 to 3 feet of snow is expected, with up to 5 feet at higher peaks. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate, with chain controls likely along mountain passes.
Officials advise travelers to check Caltrans QuickMap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) for real-time road updates and dial 511 for highway conditions. Those in affected areas should prepare for possible power outages and avoid unnecessary travel.
