Weather alert snow blizzard
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Fresno, CA – Travel into the Sierra Nevada could become extremely dangerous early next week as a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect from 10 p.m. Monday through 4 p.m. Wednesday, impacting mountain routes near Highway 41, Highway 99, and Highway 180.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, heavy snow is expected across higher elevations of Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and surrounding Sierra regions. Forecasters say 12 to 18 inches of snow are possible above 7,000 feet, while 4 to 10 inches could accumulate above 6,000 feet.
In addition to heavy snowfall, wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected at the highest elevations, creating blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions at times. These conditions could make travel very difficult to impossible, particularly along mountain roadways such as CA-41 near Wawona and Yosemite access points, CA-180 toward Kings Canyon, and higher-elevation connectors from CA-99.
The most intense snowfall is forecast Tuesday through Tuesday evening, coinciding with potential morning and evening commute periods for those traveling into or through the Sierra. Officials warn that rapidly deteriorating road conditions, chain controls, and possible road closures are likely during peak snowfall.
Drivers are urged to delay non-essential travel, carry winter survival supplies, and check road conditions by calling 511 before heading into the mountains. Even experienced winter drivers may encounter hazardous conditions due to wind-driven snow and reduced visibility.
Travel conditions are expected to gradually improve late Wednesday as snowfall tapers off, though lingering impacts may persist at higher elevations.
