Hanford, CA – Residents and visitors in the Sierra Nevada mountains should prepare for afternoon and evening thunderstorms through Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Hanford.
The agency reported Tuesday that storms are expected each afternoon across the higher elevations from Yosemite National Park south to Sequoia National Park. These storms carry the potential for dangerous conditions including frequent lightning, small hail, gusty winds, and brief but heavy rainfall.
According to the NWS, the storms are most likely to develop in the afternoon and early evening hours, creating hazards for outdoor recreation, camping, and travel in the mountain region. “When thunder roars, go indoors,” forecasters warned in their advisory.
While the chance of storms is considered “slight,” forecasters emphasized the need for caution, noting that erratic wind gusts and lightning strikes pose risks even when rainfall is brief. Motorists traveling mountain highways and hikers in exposed areas are urged to monitor conditions and adjust plans accordingly.
The weather pattern is expected to persist through Friday, September 12, with daily storm chances continuing each afternoon.
