May 18, 2019 - The National Weather Service Hanford Office reports a Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for the Southern Sierra Nevada from late this afternoon through Sunday evening.
Snow levels will start at around 8,000 feet this afternoon, before lowering to about 5,500 feet Sunday morning.
The heaviest snow is expected tonight.
Motorists should anticipate lengthy delays and slick, hazardous road conditions, as well as the potential for road closures.
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 Warning
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Hanford CA 210 AM PDT Sat May 18 2019 ...Winter weather returns to the higher elevations of the Sierra this weekend... Central Sierra-North Kings River-Sequoia Kings-Lake Isabella- Including the cities of Devils Postpile, Florence Lake, Lake Thomas Edison, Tuolumne Meadows, Bass Lake, Fish Camp, Wawona, Shaver Lake, Camp Nelson, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, Grant Grove, Johnsondale, and Lake Isabella 210 AM PDT Sat May 18 2019 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT ABOVE 6000 FEET FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 PM PDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Periods of heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches above 6000 feet with as much as 20 inches accumulating above 8000 feet in the Sierra. * WHERE...Elevations above 6000 feet. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow covered roads and winter driving conditions likely above 6000 feet with chain restrictions. Travel delays possible along with some road closures. Hikers and campers should expect gusty winds, blowing snow and dangerous wind chill temperatures over the high Sierra tonight through Sunday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.Source: NWS
