Hanford, California – A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Sierra Nevada of central California, with significant snow and hazardous travel conditions expected from late Monday night through Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford.
The National Weather Service said the advisory will be in effect from 10 p.m. Monday until 4 p.m. PST Wednesday for areas above 6,000 feet. Forecast snowfall totals range from 4 to 10 inches above 6,000 feet, with heavier accumulations of 12 to 18 inches expected above 7,000 feet.
The advisory includes higher-elevation areas of Yosemite National Park outside of the valley, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Grant Grove, the Upper San Joaquin River region, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, and the southern end of the Upper Sierra. Locations such as Tuolumne Meadows, Lodgepole, Grant Grove, Cedar Grove, Hume Lake, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, and Devils Postpile are included.
According to the weather service, the heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday into Tuesday evening. Gusty winds at higher elevations may reach 40 to 50 mph, potentially causing blowing snow and reduced visibility, as well as bringing down tree branches.
Travel conditions could become very difficult to impossible at times, particularly along mountain roadways such as State Route 120 through Tioga Pass, State Route 168 near Huntington Lake, State Route 180 into Kings Canyon, and State Route 198 into Sequoia National Park. The hazardous conditions may impact both the Tuesday morning and evening travel periods.
The National Weather Service urges travelers to slow down, carry winter driving supplies, and check current road conditions before departing. California road conditions can be obtained by calling 511.
Drivers and outdoor recreationists should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions through Wednesday afternoon.
