MOUNTAIN AREA — **UPDATED 7 p.m. Dec. 21: The NWS has upgraded this to a winter storm warning for heavy snow, meaning severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Signinficant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous.** Check with US National Weather Service Hanford California for more information and we will re-post latest news on Thursday.
A winter storm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, from 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, Dec. 23 through 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Dec. 24.
Snow will begin to fall Friday afternoon and spread southward Friday evening, says the NWS, adding that snowfall will become heavy at times by Friday night, and continue through Saturday. One to two feet of snow is expected, with up to three feet accumulating along the crest.
The low temperature in Yosemite National Park on Christmas Eve is expected to be four degrees.
The NWS asks travelers to be attuned to possible travel delays and chain controls. Blowing snow with restricted visibility will make travel difficult.
In the foothills, showers are anticipated for Friday, mainly after 4 p.m., and rain and snow showers are likely on Saturday.
On Sunday, Dec. 25, it’s expected to be cold and sunny.
