Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect across the Sierra Nevada. The region is bracing for more than 2 feet of snow in some areas.
As of early Tuesday, Interstate 80 and Highway 50 mountain passes could see over a foot of snow. High-elevation ski resorts may receive up to 3 feet of snow.
Warnings extend from Lassen National Park to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon national parks. The heaviest snow is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Above 5,000 feet in the northern Sierra, snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour. In the southern Sierra, similar conditions are anticipated above 7,000 feet.
Travel impacts are forecast due to these intense snowfall rates. The National Weather Service has warned that gusts could reach 50 mph at the passes and up to 90 mph atop ridges.
A winter weather advisory is also in effect for the Lake Tahoe area. This storm marks the second winter storm warning this month for the west slope of the Sierra.
Chris Smallcomb noted that “the moisture trajectory is out of the south with this storm,” which typically complicates precipitation patterns east of the Sierra crest.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential tornado activity; however, Dave Houk mentioned it is possible that strong storms may produce brief tornadoes on Tuesday—especially in the Sacramento Valley.
This situation continues to develop as residents prepare for significant weather impacts. Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve throughout the day.
