SACRAMENTO, CA – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park areas, including the cities of Blue Canyon, Quincy, and Chester, beginning late Wednesday night through late Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, heavy snow is possible above 5,000 feet, with accumulations ranging from 4 to 8 inches, and up to 2 feet at higher passes. Winds could gust up to 50 mph, creating whiteout conditions and downed tree branches.
Forecasters warn that travel could be very difficult, particularly during the Thursday morning and evening commutes. Drivers heading across mountain passes are urged to check road conditions through Caltrans at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or by dialing 511 before traveling.
The agency also noted that confidence remains low on exact timing and snowfall totals, but residents and travelers should prepare now for rapidly changing conditions.
This storm marks one of the first significant winter weather systems of the season for Northern California’s higher elevations, bringing the potential for dangerous road conditions and travel disruptions.
