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Deadwood above Oakhurst taken from Road 426. Picture courtesy of Derek Sprague

More Snow on the Way…Are You Prepared?

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIESThe National Weather Service Hanford Office is reporting that the storm system from the last couple of days is exiting to the east but the first in another series of systems will begin to impact the region late this afternoon. Rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds will continue at times through Wednesday. Dry weather will be brief today but should allow time for people to prepare as another series of storm systems will impact the region through midweek.

Sunday/ Monday

Low elevation snow in the Sierra Nevada foothills and rain in the San Joaquin Valley are expected ahead of and along a cold front Sunday night through Monday night. Snow levels will start at around 3,500 feet Sunday night, before dropping to about 2,000 feet Monday night. The majority of this precipitation will fall Monday afternoon and Monday evening.

Monday through Wednesday

Sunday/ Monday’s system will be followed by  a stronger system on Monday and then another from Tuesday through Wednesday. Snow levels over the Sierra Nevada will begin around  3000 to 4000 feet today but lower to 2000 to 3000 feet on Monday.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Sierra Nevada beginning at 4 PM  this afternoon until 10 AM Monday. Winds will increase on Monday and will create blowing snow and white-out conditions at times. Therefore, a Blizzard Warning has been issued for the Sierra from 10 AM Monday through 4 PM Wednesday. Precipitation predictions indicate storm total snow accumulation over the high Sierra could range  from 3 to 7 feet. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the  Sierra Foothills above 2000 feet from 4 PM this afternoon through  4 PM Wednesday.

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 4 PM PST WEDNESDAY ABOVE 2000 FEET…

* WHAT…Heavy snow expected above 2000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 24 inches from 2000 to 3000 feet and 2 to 4 feet from 3000 to 4000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE…Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra, Fresno-Tulare Lower Sierra and South End of the Lower Sierra.
* WHEN…From 4 PM this afternoon to 4 PM PST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow levels 3000 to 4000 feet today falling to 2000 to 3000 feet Monday, then 1500 to 2000 feet by Tuesday morning. Periods of heavy snow Sunday afternoon and night with snow showers lingering into Monday morning. Heaviest snowfall expected overnight Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Be Prepared

  • Downed trees & branches & local power outages are possible, especially in areas receiving heavy snow.
  • Check https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outagecenter/ for the latest power outage updates.
  • Prepare for stormy weather in advance with PG&E safety tips
  • Mountain travel, especially over the Sierra, will be near to impossible above 1000-2000 ft elevation tomorrow – early Wednesday. AVOID TRAVEL DURING THIS TIME! If you attempt to travel, be prepared for extended road closures. Bring extra food, water, & warm clothing.
  • Check quickmap.dot.ca.gov for the latest road conditions.
  • Follow Sierra News Online for local impacts including traffic hazards and collisions, road closures, power outage updates, school closures and weather advisories.

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online