Fresno, California – Travel through the Sierra Nevada could grind to a halt by early Monday as a powerful winter storm drops several feet of snow and unleashes damaging wind through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday evening through Wednesday evening for the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills, including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and the Kern County mountains above 4,000 feet. Snow totals may reach 3 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with 5 to 7 feet over the highest peaks. Even communities down to 4,000 feet could see 1 to 2 feet of accumulation. Wind gusts may top 60 mph, increasing the risk of tree damage and whiteout conditions.
Highways near Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Grant Grove, Lodgepole and along the San Joaquin River Canyon face the greatest impact. Snow levels begin near 5,500 to 6,000 feet Sunday night before dropping to 4,000 feet Tuesday morning, with light snow possible down to 3,000 feet by Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Officials urge residents and visitors to delay mountain travel and prepare for potential road closures and chain controls. Carry winter survival supplies if travel cannot be postponed.
The watch remains in effect through Wednesday evening, and warnings may follow as snowfall confidence increases.
