Update: Snow May Impact Thanksgiving Travel & Dinner Plans

A significant winter storm is likely to impact the region during peak Thanksgiving holiday travel.

A strong upper low is expected to reach the northern California coast by Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Sierra Nevada and the Mother Lode (above 2,500 feet), from Tuesday morning through late Thursday (Thanksgiving) night.

Heavy snowfall is likely by Tuesday evening. It will continue through the overnight hours into Wednesday. The snow showers will continue on Thanksgiving Day, possibly into Friday.

Several feet of snow is likely in the Sierra Nevada above 4,000 feet. Several inches of snow could accumulate in the Mother Lode’s foothills between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening.

Accumulating snow is possible as low as 1,500 feet by Thanksgiving Day morning.

Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the evening commute on Tuesday. The snow combined with breezy conditions, may significantly reduce visibilities. Hazardous mountain travel with significant delays is possible. Downed trees and power outages are possible.

Blowing and drifting snow and local whiteout conditions are likely over the higher elevations of the
Sierra along with sub zero wind chill temperatures.

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