Sacramento, CA – A significant winter storm is bringing heavy snow and strong winds to California’s mountain regions through Thursday night, prompting travel warnings and possible road closures.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm is expected to impact the Sierra Nevada and Shasta County mountains, where snowfall could reach up to two feet at higher elevations. Winds are forecasted to gust between 60 and 65 mph, leading to blowing snow and drastically reduced visibility.
In Southern California, the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office has warned of hazardous travel conditions in mountain areas, with snow levels dropping as low as 3,000 feet by Thursday morning. Up to 12 inches of snow is expected above 5,500 feet, with major highways such as Interstate 5 near the Grapevine, Highway 14 from Acton to Palmdale, and Highway 33 north of Ojai at risk for snow accumulation and closures.
Officials urge travelers to avoid mountain routes, carry chains, and check road conditions before heading out. The storm is expected to taper off by late Thursday, but lingering impacts may affect travel into Friday.
For the latest road conditions, visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
