Holiday travel warnings have been issued to residents and travelers in parts of California. Up to 6 feet of snow and high winds are expected to hit some areas from overnight Sunday, into Monday, lasting until Friday in most cases. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that travel could be “very difficult to impossible,” potentially affecting holiday plans for thousands.
What To Know
The Greater Lake Tahoe area—including Tahoe City, Incline Village, Markleeville, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Stateline, and Glenbrook—is expected to see up to 2 feet of snow at lake level and as much as 4 feet above 7,000 feet, with winds reaching 100 mph, from Tuesday night through Friday morning.
Between 3 and 6 feet of snow is forecast for the western slopes of the northern Sierra Nevada, as well as western Plumas County and Lassen Park, including areas along Interstate 80 and Highway 50 from Tuesday, with NWS winter storm warnings in place until Friday morning.
Mono County is forecast to get 10 to 20 inches of snow by Friday morning, especially along US-395, and areas above 7,000 feet could get up to 4 feet of snow, with winds reaching up to 100 mph.
Up to 8 feet of snow and 50 mph winds are expected to blast Yosemite National Park overnight Sunday, into Monday, lasting until Friday. In the Sierra Nevada south of Yosemite—at elevations above 6,000 feet—up to 5 feet of snow and similar winds are forecast through Friday afternoon.
Parts of Siskiyou county, including Snowman’s Summit, could get between 1 and 3 feet of snow and 60 mph winds. Up to 5 feet of snow is also expected in places above 4,500 feet by Friday.
Modoc County could get up to 15 inches of snow and 55 mph winds from Monday evening until Friday morning—with the highest amounts expected over the Warner Mountains.
What People Are Saying
The NWS for various parts of California warned: “Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. The combination of strong winds and the weight of heavy snow accumulations could damage trees and power lines.”
“Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures possible. Low visibility due to a combination of wind and heavy snow.”
“Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
What Happens Next
People in affected areas are advised to monitor local forecasts for updates, and if they must travel, call 5 1 1 to check for the latest road conditions before they set off.
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