[National Weather Service]
…Multiple Winter Storms to Impact Holiday Mountain Travel Tuesday through the Weekend…
A series of winter storms will bring multiple rounds of moderate to heavy mountain snow and gusty winds Tuesday through Sunday. Snow showers are expected to begin Tuesday with up to 1 foot of snow above 3000-4500 feet elevation. Heaviest snow is forecast Wednesday through Thursday with an additional 1-2 feet of snow possible each day. Snow levels will rise to 5500-6500 feet on Wednesday, then they will fall again to 3000-4500 feet on Thursday. Snow showers will continue Friday with another round of heavier snow late Friday through Saturday.
Little break in snowfall is expected after Tuesday, which will cause significant impacts to holiday mountain travel. Major travel delays and difficult travel conditions are anticipated. Gusty winds will further reduce visibilities during this event with local whiteout conditions possible. Holiday travelers should prepare for winter driving conditions by packing chains, warm winter clothes, and extra food and water.
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON ABOVE 5000 FEET…
* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Travel will be very difficult to impossible, including during the morning commute on Thursday. Damage to trees and power lines is possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 8 feet, with localized amounts up to 10 feet, are possible.
* WHERE…Shasta Lake Area / Northern Shasta County, Burney Basin / Eastern Shasta County, Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County, Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada.
* WHEN…From Tuesday morning through Sunday afternoon. Heavier snow expected beginning Wednesday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Significant reductions in visibility are possible.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.