Several counties in California are preparing for significant snowfall this week, with forecasts indicating over an inch of snow expected in various regions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A storm is anticipated to impact high-elevation areas in northern California starting Wednesday night. The Sacramento NWS office has issued a winter weather advisory, predicting snow accumulation through Thursday evening in locations such as Burney Basin, eastern Shasta County, parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and western Plumas and Lassen Park counties.
Additionally, snowfall is expected at higher elevations further south, alongside widespread rain in lower areas, as reported by the NWS office in Hanford. Lead forecaster Andrew Bollenbacher noted that this weather pattern is typical for this time of year, although it may affect high-elevation roads near Yosemite National Park.
Data from the NWS suggests that at least 6 inches of snow could accumulate in high-elevation regions of Mariposa County and Tuolumne County. Bollenbacher indicated that snowfall totals are likely to be higher in the northern sections of Yosemite National Park.
Further south, snowfall totals will decrease, with Madera, Fresno, and Tulare counties expecting an inch or more, while Madera County could receive as much as 4 inches.
Most snowfall is expected on Saturday, and Bollenbacher mentioned that the forecast has been communicated well in advance, minimizing the chances of unexpected impacts from the storm. However, some high-elevation roads may close for the winter season.
While the NWS office in Hanford has not yet issued an official winter weather watch, it may do so on Wednesday or Thursday. Bollenbacher advised the public to heed any road closures encountered.
In addition to snow, lower-elevation areas may experience rain from the same storm system. The NWS Hanford office stated that the storm is expected to bring substantial rainfall to the Sierra Foothills and the San Joaquin Valley, primarily on Saturday.
Other states are also facing wintry conditions, with winter storm warnings issued for Oregon, Wyoming, and South Dakota, and winter weather advisories in place for Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Colorado. Various freeze watches are also active, alerting residents to potential low temperatures.