Sacramento, CA – A powerful winter storm continues to impact Northern California, bringing heavy snowfall and dangerous travel conditions through late Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. Friday for areas above 2,000 feet, including Shasta County, the Burney Basin, and the Northeast Foothills. Snowfall totals are expected to range from 6 to 15 inches, with up to 2 feet possible at higher elevations. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, increasing the risk of falling tree branches and reduced visibility.
For the West Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada, the storm is forecast to last until 11 p.m. Friday, with 10 to 18 inches of snow expected above 4,000 feet and up to 2 feet at the highest peaks. Areas between 2,000 and 4,000 feet could see an additional 5 to 10 inches of snowfall. Wind gusts may reach 55 mph, causing significant drifting and hazardous travel conditions.
Travel along Interstate 5 and mountain highways could be severely impacted, with conditions making driving difficult to impossible at times. The storm is expected to disrupt both morning and evening commutes.
Motorists are urged to check Caltrans road conditions at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or call 511 before traveling. Residents in affected areas should prepare for possible power outages and avoid unnecessary travel.
