MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the high country above 8,000-feet midweek, and a Flood Watch for areas in elevations below 8,000-feet, particularly areas with burn scars.
Winter Storm Watch
The Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon and Tulare County Mountains, for the possibility of heavy snow above 8,000 feet. Total accumulations are likely to be 1-3-feet, with localized amounts up to 4-feet, says the NWS. The heaviest snow is likely from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning.
The Winter Storm Watch starts Tuesday evening and lasts through Thursday evening, meaning there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Blowing and drifting snow and local whiteout conditions are possible. Hikers and campers over the high Sierra should be prepared for hazardous wintry weather.
Please continue to monitor the latest forecasts.
UPDATE
Flood Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the mountains and foothills below 8,000-feet, as the storm brings substantial rain midweek along with a threat of flash flooding.
The Flash Flood Watch has been issued for a portion of central California in the Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno County Foothills and elevations below 8000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, including the towns of Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Fish Camp, Mariposa, North Fork, Oakhurst, and Wawona.
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, a very dangerous situation.
The Flash Flood Watch is in effect from noon on Wednesday, Mar. 21 through Thursday evening, Mar. 22 at 8 p.m. for the foothills and higher elevations below 8,000-feet.
Heavy rainfall will create excess runoff and bring a threat of localized flash flooding, mud slides, rock slides and debris flows, particularly in the vicinity of burn scars. Some roads may become impassable or become washed out. Residents should be alert for rising waters on area streams with the possibility of flooding.
Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
National Weather Service Storm Watch and Flood Warning
National Weather Service forecast for Yosemite Valley
This article was editing on Monday, Mar. 19 at about 5:30 p.m. to reflect the times NWS has issued for the Flash Flood Watch, previously unavailable.
