MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 20 through 11 p.m. Thursday. The Storm Warning is for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon and Tulare County Mountains above 8,000-feet, and takes the place of a previously issued Storm Watch. The Flash Flood warning remains in place.
Storm Warning
Heavy snow is expected in the high country, with total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 feet with localized amounts up to 5 feet.
Travel will be very difficult to impossible, says the NWS, and tree branches could fall. Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times and power outages.
A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for this area is 1 800 427-7623.
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, impacting the Mariposa, Madera, and Fresno County Foothills and elevations below 8,000 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 the afternoon of Wednesday, Mar. 21 through Thursday evening, Mar. 22 for the foothills and higher elevations below 8,000-feet.
Heavy rainfall in addition to snow melt will create excess runoff and bring a threat of localized flash flooding, mud slides, rock slides and debris flows, particularly in the vicinity of the Detwiler and Pier fire 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
