Fresno, California – Travelers heading into California’s iconic mountain parks this weekend should prepare for snow-covered roads and limited visibility as a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect late Friday. Up to 9 inches of snow are expected in high-elevation areas from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park, with snowfall continuing through Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, the advisory begins at 11 p.m. Friday and remains in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday. Impacted areas include Wawona, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Hume Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows. Snowfall will be accompanied by gusty winds that may knock down tree branches and worsen driving conditions.
Visitors and residents in the San Joaquin River Canyon, Grant Grove, and Kings Canyon should avoid non-essential travel during peak snow hours. Slippery roads, especially on Highway 180 and 198, could pose significant hazards through the weekend. Park officials urge travelers to carry tire chains and emergency supplies.
This late-season storm is not unusual for higher elevations but could catch spring tourists off guard.
Winter weather advisories remain in effect through Sunday morning, with updates likely as the storm develops. Check Caltrans and park alerts for the latest travel and access information.
