Mammoth Lakes, CA – The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Mono County, in effect from 1 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday, with forecasters warning of heavy snow and extreme winds across the Sierra.
Snowfall totals are expected to reach 1 to 2 feet along the Sierra crest, while communities along U.S. Highway 395, including Mammoth Lakes, Bridgeport, Lee Vining, and Coleville, could see 4 to 12 inches of accumulation. Wind gusts over the ridges may exceed 100 mph, creating whiteout conditions and significant travel hazards.
According to the Weather Service, travel could become very difficult to impossible during the storm, especially through mountain passes. Both Thursday morning and evening commutes are expected to be affected. Forecasters are also warning that powerful winds could down trees and power lines, leading to isolated outages.
Those who must travel are urged to carry emergency supplies, including flashlights, food, and water, and to check updated road conditions by calling 511.
Hazardous travel conditions are expected to persist through early Friday morning before snow tapers off.
