MOUNTAIN AREA — A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow is in effect above 7,000-feet, from 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15 through 4 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford.
The Winter Storm Warning is for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, including the towns of Bass Lake, Fish Camp, and Wawona.
A strong Pacific low pressure system is slowly pushing inland, spreading heavy rain to coastal areas and heavy snow across the mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest, south to the Sierra. Precipitation will be moderate to heavy for a longer duration, and high winds will also accompany this system.
Heavy rain may cause flooding Wednesday, especially near wildfire burn scars. Heavy snow will impact travel in the mountain passes.
In the higher elevations of the Sierra and elsewhere, heavy snow is possible, and people should plan on difficult travel conditions. The storm could bring a total snow accumulation of 5 to 11-inches above 7,000 feet, with localized amounts up to 30-inches near 9,000 feet. Wind gusts 30 to 50 miles per hour are possible at the highest elevations.
Precipitation is predicted to begin around mid-day on Wednesday, becoming heavy at times Wednesday night and Thursday. Snow showers expected to decrease Thursday night.
Significant reductions in visibility are possible with strong wind and heavy snow. Snow level above 8,000 feet through Thursday morning, lowering to 7,500 feet during Thursday afternoon, and near 6,000 feet Thursday night.
Winter Storm Warning means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.
Weather in the foothills
In the lower elevations of the mountains, rain is likely on Wednesday, mainly after 5 p.m., with a high near 67 degrees, and a 60 percent chance of precipitation between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday night, rain could be heavy at times, with a chance of precipitation at 90 percent, and new precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible.
Rain could be heavy at times on Thursday, as well, with a high near 56 and a 100 percent chance of precipitation, with new precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Showers are likely Thursday night, mainly before 11 p.m. By Friday it’s mostly sunny.
