A powerful winter storm is set to hammer Mono County from Monday night through Wednesday morning, bringing as much as 3 feet of snow, blinding whiteout conditions, and fierce winds gusting up to 80 mph. Travel could become nearly impossible, power outages are expected, and those caught unprepared may face serious risks. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Heavy Snow and Intense Winds Are Headed Your Way
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that kicks in Monday at 10 PM and lasts until Wednesday at 10 AM. Expect:
- 1 to 3 feet of snow in higher elevations above 8,000 feet, with local areas near the Sierra crest potentially seeing even more.
- Up to 6 inches of snow in lower elevations below 8,000 feet.
- Winds gusting up to 80 mph at the highest peaks and 45 mph along highways like U.S. 395, where wind-prone areas could become hazardous.
The mix of heavy snow and howling winds will likely create dangerous whiteout conditions, severely limiting visibility and making driving risky or impossible on some roads.
Major Travel Disruptions and Power Outages Expected
Here’s what you need to watch out for:
- Treacherous driving conditions on mountain passes, especially with potential road closures.
- Whiteout conditions that could cause accidents and trap travelers.
- Power outages from strong winds knocking down trees and power lines.
What You Can Do to Prepare
- Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
- If you have to drive, pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, food, a flashlight, and phone chargers.
- Monitor weather updates frequently in case conditions worsen or alerts change.
- Have backup power options, like a generator or portable chargers, ready to go in case of power outages.
This is no ordinary winter storm—conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly, so plan ahead and be ready to ride it out safely.