Sacramento, CA – A major winter storm is set to impact Northern California, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds to mountain areas through Friday. Travel is expected to become hazardous, with chain controls and possible road closures in higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Friday for Shasta Lake Area, Northern Shasta County, and the mountains from southwestern Shasta County to western Colusa County above 2,000 feet. Snowfall totals could reach 3 to 8 inches at lower elevations and up to 2 feet above 3,500 feet, with wind gusts as high as 45 mph.
In the West Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County, including Chester, Blue Canyon, and Quincy, the warning extends until 10 p.m. Friday for areas above 4,500 feet. Snow accumulations may range from 5 to 15 inches between 4,500 and 6,000 feet and up to 5 feet at higher elevations, with 60 mph wind gusts increasing the risk of whiteout conditions.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday night through midday Thursday, with snow rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. Road conditions will deteriorate, impacting the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
Drivers should check the latest road conditions at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or call 511before traveling.
