If you’re anywhere near California’s Sierra Nevada, brace yourself—this storm is the real deal. A powerful winter system is rolling in, bringing feet of snow, intense winds, and nearly impossible driving conditions through Friday night.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, and if you were thinking about heading into the mountains, you might want to rethink those plans. This isn’t just a little snowfall—it’s the kind of storm that buries roads, shuts down highways, and makes travel an absolute nightmare.
🌨️ What’s Coming?
A major winter storm is sweeping across Northern California, bringing:
✔ Up to 5 feet of snow in higher elevations
✔ Winds up to 100 mph at mountain ridges
✔ Blizzard-like conditions making travel nearly impossible
The snow kicks in late Wednesday night, gets heaviest on Thursday, and sticks around through Friday evening. By the time it’s over, the Sierra will be buried in fresh powder, and getting around could be a total disaster.
📍 Who’s in the Danger Zone?
🏔️ Lake Tahoe & Surrounding Areas
✔ 10 to 18 inches of snow expected at lake level
✔ 2 to 4 feet of snow in the higher elevations
✔ 50+ mph winds creating dangerous whiteout conditions
✔ Expect road closures, chain controls, and hours-long delays
📍 Mono County & US-395 Corridor
✔ 1 to 3 feet of snow expected west of US-395
✔ 4 to 5 feet along the Sierra crest
✔ Blowing snow could make it nearly impossible to see while driving
✔ Mountain passes may shut down or face massive delays
🚨 Why This Storm Is a Big Deal
-
Travel Will Be Brutal
- Highway 50, I-80, and US-395 could be completely buried in snow.
- Snowfall rates of 3 inches per hour will make it tough for plows to keep up.
- If you don’t absolutely have to travel, don’t do it.
-
Crazy Winds & Zero Visibility
- Winds up to 100 mph at higher elevations will create total whiteouts.
- Even big trucks and 4WD vehicles could struggle on the roads.
-
Avalanche Risk & Power Outages
- Heavy snowfall and high winds will make backcountry areas extremely dangerous for skiers and snowboarders.
- Falling trees and power lines could cause outages, so be prepared.
🚗 Thinking About Driving? Read This First.
✔ Check road conditions before heading out—some highways may be completely shut down.
✔ Pack an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, and a flashlight in case you get stuck.
✔ Expect major delays and crawling traffic—leave early if you must travel.
✔ If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle! Walking in a blizzard is deadly.
🚨 Check real-time road conditions:
- California Roads (Caltrans): roads.dot.ca.gov
🏠 Staying In? Here’s How to Prepare
✔ Stock up on groceries and essentials—this storm could keep you inside for a few days.
✔ Charge your phone and have flashlights ready in case the power goes out.
✔ Bring pets inside and layer up—it’s going to be freezing.
✔ Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents, to make sure they’re okay.
⏳ When Will It Be Over?
- Heavy snow continues through Friday night, with the worst conditions on Thursday and Thursday night.
- Roads could still be a mess into the weekend as crews work to clear them.
- Another storm might be right behind this one, so don’t put that snow shovel away!
This isn’t just a typical winter storm—it’s a major event that could shut down roads, leave travelers stranded, and bring serious winter hazards to the Sierra Nevada.
If you can, stay home, stay warm, and wait it out. If you must travel, be ready for extreme conditions, long delays, and possible road closures.
