MOUNTAIN AREA — Don’t be fooled by any scant blue sky you see this morning — we have more weather on the way this afternoon. Driving may be difficult, trees limbs could take out power lines, and some roads may be closed as a result of the storm.
The National Weather Service (NWS) says the Winter Weather Advisory in effect until noon today will be replaced with a Winter Storm Warning for an approaching stronger system. Be prepared for heavy rain and strong winds in some areas, while heavy snow and extremely high winds are expected elsewhere.
The NWS has issued the Winter Storm Warning for the southern Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon and Tulare County Mountains, starting at noon on Sunday, Jan. 6 and remaining in effect until 4 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7. The warning includes the neighborhoods of Bass Lake, Fish Camp, and Wawona.
For the same period of time, a Wind Advisory has been issued for the foothills of Mariposa, Madera and Fresno County, including the towns of Ahwahnee, Coarsegold, Mariposa, North Fork, Oakhurst, O’Neals, and Raymond. The Wind Advisory also includes the West Central, East Central, and Southwestern San Joaquin Valley, and the cities of Los Banos, Coalinga, Mendota, Fresno, Hanford, Lemoore, Avenal, and Corcoran.
Winter Storm Warning
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.
Heavy snow is expected in some areas, with total snow accumulations of up to 18 inches, and winds gusting as high as 80 miles per hour. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage and blowing snow with reduced visibilities.
Wind Advisory
A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 miles per hour are expected, which can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Extra caution is necessary.
In some parts of the foothills, winds will be Southeast 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts up to 35 miles per hour. The NWS says gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and power outages may result.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
National Weather Service Winter Storm Warning*
National Weather Service Wind Advisory**
National Weather Service forecast for Yosemite Valley*
*denotes areas subject to the current Winter Storm Warning
**denotes areas subject to the current Wind Advisory
