A Series Of Winter Storms Through Christmas Weekend

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A series of winter storms will bring multiple rounds of light to heavy mountain snow and gusty winds Tuesday through Sunday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Sierra Nevada from Tuesday evening through Sunday afternoon.

Snow is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon along the coastal range then spread inland Tuesday night with up to 1 foot of snow above the 6,000 foot elevation through Wednesday afternoon. Very little break in the snowfall is expected after Tuesday, which will cause significant impacts to holiday mountain travel.

Heavier snow is forecast to start Wednesday night into Thursday with an additional one to two feet of snow possible each day and lowering snow levels on Thursday down to 3,000 feet, with further lowering of snow levels Thursday night into Friday (Christmas Eve). Locally down to 2,500 feet.

The total snow accumulations above the 3,000 foot elevation will range from one to ten feet. The higher you go, the more the snow.

Gusty winds as high as sixty-five mph will further reduce visibilities during this event with local whiteout conditions expected. Damage to trees and power lines is possible.

Major travel delays and difficult travel conditions are anticipated. Travel may even be impossible. Holiday travelers should prepare for winter driving conditions by packing chains, warm winter clothes, and extra food and water.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.