COUNTY – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the higher elevations around Yosemite starting late Wednesday.
Hanford Weather Forecast Office confirms another cold storm system is coming in late on Wednesday, May 13 and continuing through late Thursday, May 14. As a result, snow is expected to impact the high country on Thursday and Friday.
The storm is expected to affect elevations above 6,000 feet from Yosemite to Kings Canyon National Parks. As usual during a winter storm watch, even in the spring, authorities recommend travelers to Yosemite and other parts of the high country drive carefully, carry chains and a winter survival kit.
Snow accumulations are expected to be around 4 to 6 inches above 6,000 feet, with amounts in certain areas near the crest looking at about 12 inches of snow.
Hanford says the lower elevations could experience unsettled weather, including the chance of rain, as a low pressure system originating in the Gulf of Alaska brings chily temps back to the foothills.
Isolated thunderstorms are possible for the entire area Thursday. Some showers and thunderstorms will remain a possibility over the Sierra Nevada into Saturday afternoon and evening. The low in Oakhurst by Thursday night is projected to be about 40 degrees, with a high of 52 on Friday. Just in time for your weekend, mostly sunny skies are forecast for 10 degrees warmer on Saturday.
Hanford reports uncertainty on the exact timing of the arrival of the storm and precipitation amounts, with medium confidence overall.
Source: National Weather Service/NOAA
