Fresno, CA – A powerful winter storm continues to impact the Sierra Nevada, bringing up to four feet of snow and strong winds through late Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, the Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 11 PM PDT Thursday. The storm is expected to bring total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet above 4,000 feet, with the highest elevations receiving up to 4 feet. Wind gusts could reach 60 mph, creating whiteout conditions and increasing the risk of falling trees.
The affected areas include Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and surrounding regions, including Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Wawona, Lodgepole, and Tuolumne Meadows. The heavy snowfall and strong winds will make travel very difficult to impossible, especially along mountain passes and remote roads.
Residents and travelers are urged to take precautions. Authorities recommend carrying an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, and water if travel is necessary. The storm is expected to impact both the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
For updated road conditions, call 511 or check the California Department of Transportation website before traveling.