MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service in Hanford on Saturday reissued a Winter Storm Advisory for eastern Madera County as a blast of winter weather is expected to move in Saturday night, bringing snow and high winds to the mountain area.
“A storm system originating in the Gulf of Alaska will bring much colder weather and precipitation to the central California interior by Sunday,” the advisory stated. “Isolated thunder storms with hail are possible for Sunday afternoon.”
The advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Saturday night through 4 p.m. Sunday.
Total snowfall of 4 to 7 inches above 6,000 feet were predicted, with winds gusting near 50 mph. Forecasters said elevations as low as 4,000 feet could also see snow accumulation.
“Dramatically colder over the high Sierra with blowing snow and subzero windchill,” an advisory originally issued Friday also cautioned. “Strong northeast winds in the foothills and higher elevations of the Sierra north of Kings Canyon Sunday night into Monday.”
“Motorists should anticipate travel delays and slick, hazardous road conditions, as well as the potential for road closures above 5,000 feet. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and can make travel difficult,” Saturday’s advisory stated.
In advance of the weekend weather maker, parts of central California notched record highs on Friday, with temperatures in Oakhurst topping out at 75 degrees.
