Northern California – A prolonged and high-impact winter storm is expected to bring multiple rounds of heavy snow and strong winds to mountainous areas of Siskiyou and Modoc counties through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for elevations above 4,500 feet in Siskiyou County from 4 a.m. Tuesday until 10 a.m. PST Friday. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet are forecast, with up to 5 feet possible near 6,000 feet in remote high terrain. Wind gusts may reach 60 miles per hour across exposed ridges.
Snow levels are expected to fluctuate throughout the event, rising to near 7,000 feet Tuesday night, then falling again Wednesday. By Thursday night into early Friday, snow levels could drop to around 3,500 feet, potentially expanding impacts to additional mountain roadways.
Locations expected to be affected include Snowmans Summit on Highway 89, Etna Summit on Sawyers Bar Road, and Shasta Ski Park, where travel may become very difficult to impossible during peak snowfall periods.
A separate Winter Storm Warning has been issued for elevations above 5,500 feet in Modoc County, effective 4 a.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Friday. Forecast totals range from 7 to 18 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour, especially near Cedar Pass on Highway 299.
The National Weather Service warns that hazardous conditions may impact commute periods, while strong winds increase the risk of tree damage and power disruptions.
Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, carry emergency supplies, and check Caltrans QuickMap or call 511 for real-time road conditions before heading into mountainous areas.
