Hanford, CA – A powerful early-season winter storm is hammering the Sierra Nevada, bringing heavy snow, whiteout conditions, and dangerous travel through Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the higher elevations of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service, snow levels will hover between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, with 1 to 2 feet of accumulation expected and up to 3 feet possible on the highest peaks. Affected areas include Shaver Lake, Hume Lake, Wawona, Lodgepole, and Cedar Grove, as well as backcountry zones near Florence Lake and Tuolumne Meadows.
Forecasters warn that visibility may drop below a quarter mile in blowing snow, making travel “very difficult to impossible.” The storm is expected to impact both the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes across the Sierra.
Drivers are urged to avoid mountain travel if possible. Those who must travel should carry emergency supplies, including food, water, and a flashlight, and ensure their vehicles are winter-ready.
The warning remains in effect until Wednesday at 5 p.m. PDT, when snowfall is expected to taper off.
