Hanford, CA – A powerful winter storm is set to hit the Sierra Nevada beginning early Thursday, with the National Weather Service warning of dangerous travel conditions and heavy mountain snowfall.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. Thursday until 4 a.m. Friday, covering areas including Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park, and nearby mountain communities such as Shaver Lake and Grant Grove.
Forecasters expect 6 to 12 inches of snow above 8,000 feet, with as much as 18 inches at higher elevations. Wind gusts may reach 40 mph, reducing visibility and making roads slick or impassable. The storm is expected to significantly impact Thursday morning and evening commutes, particularly across high mountain passes and park access routes.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel if possible. If travel is necessary, motorists should pack emergency supplies, slow down, and prepare for sudden changes in road conditions.
This early-season system is one of the most significant snow events so far this fall, signaling the start of hazardous winter driving across California’s central Sierra.
