February 11, 2019 - The National Weather Service Hanford office reports a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Wednesday Morning into Thursday morning for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Tulare County Mountains.

A strong storm system will track through the central California interior during the period and bring heavy snowfall to the mountains above 5000 feet.

Those with travel plans into the Sierra should anticipate slippery, snow covered roads, potentially long travel delays and possible road closures this weekend.

Travel will not be permitted without tire chains.

Hikers over the high country can expect hazardous wintry weather, sub zero wind chill temperatures along with blowing and drifting snow and local whiteout conditions.

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Winter Storm Watch

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Hanford CA
1249 PM PST Mon Feb 11 2019

Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon-
Tulare County Mountains-
Including the cities of Camp Nelson, Giant Forest, and Lodgepole
1249 PM PST Mon Feb 11 2019

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
THURSDAY MORNING ABOVE 5000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 5000 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of up to 1 foot possible from 5000 to 7000
  feet...1 to 3 feet from 7000 to 8000 feet...and 2 to 4 feet with
  up to 6 feet above 9000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph
  above 9000 feet.

* WHERE...Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon and Tulare
  County Mountains above 5000 feet.

* WHEN...From late Tuesday night through Thursday morning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be very difficult to
  impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning
  or evening commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor
the latest forecasts.

Source: NWS