Update: A Sierra Nevada Winter Storm Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Sierra Nevada above 6,000 feet from early Wednesday morning through late Thursday night.

A Pacific storm will bring periods of moderate to heavy snow above 6,000 feet along with strong gusty wind. The heaviest snow and strongest wind is expected from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon. Decreasing snow showers are expected Thursday night. Motorists planning travel into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada during this time frame should be prepared for hazardous winter driving conditions.

Total snow accumulations will range from seven inches to three feet.

Wind gusts will range from thirty to fifty mph with gusts over sixty-five mph at the highest elevations.

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