March 24, 2019 - The National Weather Service Hanford Office reports a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Southern Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet from 5:00 P.M. Tuesday until 5:00 A.M. Thursday.
Snow levels will start at around 6,000 feet Tuesday night, before falling to about 5,000 feet Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday.
Motorists should anticipate lengthy delays and slick, hazardous road conditions, as well as the potential for road closures above 5,000 feet.
If you plan to travel, consider alternate strategies.
If you must travel, remember to carry tire chains, plenty of food, a good deal of water, and warm clothing in your vehicle.
For information on road conditions, including closures or delays, call Caltrans at 1-800-427-7623 or visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi.
Winter Storm Watch
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Hanford CA 1026 AM PDT Sun Mar 24 2019 Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon- Tulare County Mountains- Including the cities of Camp Nelson, Giant Forest, and Lodgepole 1026 AM PDT Sun Mar 24 2019 ...A WINTER STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT ABOVE 5000 FEET... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations of one to two feet conceivable above 5000 feet. Localized snow accumulations around three feet possible along the crest. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph on exposed ridgetops and near the crest. * WHERE...Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon and Tulare County Mountains above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 5 PM PDT Tuesday until 5 AM PDT Thursday. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be extremely difficult or impossible. Gusty winds may bring down tree branches. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. If you plan to travel, consider alternate strategies. If you must travel, remember to carry tire chains, plenty of food, a good deal of water, and warm clothing in your vehicle. 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