Update: Blizzard Warning Issued For The Sierra Nevada
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Mother Lode, now until 4 AM Wednesday.
A Blizzard Warning is in effect for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada, until 4 AM Wednesday.
The Winter Storm Warning issued for Mariposa County above 2,000 feet, will continue until 4 PM Wednesday.
And the Blizzard Warning issued for Yosemite National Park will continue until 4 PM Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected from this afternoon into early Wednesday.
The snow levels will fluctuate between 1,000 to 2,000 feet.
The total snow accumulations above 2,000 feet, will range from half-a-foot to as much as six feet. The higher you go, the more the snow.
Strong winds will gust as high as fifty to sixty mph below 3,000 feet and as high as sixty to seventy-five mph above 3,000 feet. Downed trees and limbs with local power outages are possible due to heavy snow and gusty winds.
The cold wind chills, as low as thirty-five below zero, could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as ten minutes.
The hazardous conditions may impact the weekday morning and/or evening commutes.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible with extended road closures likely. Blowing snow will cause white-out conditions at times. Travel in the Sierra Nevada should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
Finally, a Wind Advisory for both the Mother Lode and the northern San Joaquin Valley, will expire at 4 PM this afternoon.
South winds of twenty to thirty mph continue, with gusts ranging from thirty-five to forty-five mph.
Such gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Please secure outdoor objects.
