Snow Forecast For the Mountains
The Freeze Warning Warning currently in effect for the Mother Lode and the entire Central Valley, will expire at 10 AM this morning. Additionally, the Cold Weather Advisory that was issued for Yosemite National Park and the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, will also expire at 10 AM this morning.
Low temperatures in the Mother Lode and the Central Valley, dropped down to thirty to thirty-six degrees, and widespread frost was expected this morning at elevations below 2,000 feet.
These cold temperatures are hazardous to pets, plants, and those without adequate heating. Frost and freeze conditions also impact sensitive vegetation, kill crops and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Residents were being urged to take steps to protect tender plants from the cold and keep outdoor pets indoors as much as possible.
In the mountains, very cold temperatures ranging from two to fifteen degrees were expected this morning at elevations at or above 6,000 feet. Cold wind chills, as low as 5 below zero, were forecast.
Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
Travelers are urged to use caution while outside and wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada, from 4 PM this afternoon until 10 PM Wednesday.
Heavy snow is expected.
The snow levels will range between 3,000 to 4,000 feet through Wednesday morning, before rising to 4,000 to 5,500 feet by Wednesday afternoon.
Total snow accumulations above the 3,500 foot elevation will range from five to ten inches. The total snow accumulations above 4,500 feet will range from ten inches to three feet. The higher you go, the more the snow.
Winds could gust as high as fifty mph.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Slick travel conditions expected, with snow covered roads and chain controls likely. The hazardous conditions may impact the Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
