Winter storm warning as 4 feet of snow to strike: ‘Life‑threatening’

A powerful late winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall, ferocious winds, and dangerous travel conditions across large swaths of the western United States this weekend, with forecasters warning that conditions could quickly turn “life‑threatening.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories stretching from California’s Sierra Nevada to Nevada, Oregon, Alaska, and even Hawaii’s highest peaks. 

In some areas, snowfall totals could approach four feet, while whiteout conditions and hurricane‑force wind gusts threaten to make travel nearly impossible.

Here is how the storm is expected to unfold, starting with the regions forecast to see the most severe impacts.

Sierra Nevada And Western Plumas County

Some of the most extreme conditions are expected across the West Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County, where the NWS in Sacramento issued a winter storm warning at 10:34 a.m. PDT Friday.

The warning takes effect at 5 p.m. Friday and remains in place until 11 p.m. PDT Sunday.

Forecasters say 1 to 2 feet of snow is likely above 4,500 feet, with 3 to 4 feet possible at the highest peaks. 

Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, especially from Saturday afternoon through Sunday. 

Winds are expected to gust as high as 50 mph, amplifying blowing snow and reducing visibility.

The NWS warned that travel could become “very difficult to impossible,” particularly during the Friday evening commute and throughout the weekend.

Greater Lake Tahoe Area

The Greater Lake Tahoe Area is also under a winter storm warning, issued by the NWS in Reno at 8:21 a.m. PDT Friday.

That warning runs from 2 p.m. Saturday through 11 p.m. PDT Sunday.

Communities around Lake Tahoe could see 6 to 10 inches of snow, while elevations above 7,000 feet—including major Sierra passes—may pick up 12 to 28 inches. 

Winds along the Sierra crest could gust as high as 90 mph, with sustained winds of 20 to 35 mph in lower‑elevation communities.

Officials warned travel may be “very difficult to impossible,” particularly during Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Strong winds also raise the risk of tree damage and power outages.

Yosemite, Kings Canyon And Sequoia National Parks

Farther south, a winter storm warning covering Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park remains in effect until 11 p.m. PDT Sunday, according to the NWS in Hanford. 

That warning was reissued at 7:34 p.m. PDT Friday.

Forecasters expect 10 to 30 inches of snow above 7,000 feet, including large portions of Madera and Mariposa Counties. Winds could gust beyond 55 mph.

The agency cautioned that visibility may fall below one‑quarter mile, with widespread whiteout conditions. 

In its advisory, the NWS described travel as “treacherous and potentially life‑threatening,” urging people to delay travel if possible.

Mono County

Mono County will see increasing impacts beginning Saturday afternoon. 

The NWS in Reno issued a winter storm warning at 8:21 a.m. PDT Friday, effective from 2 p.m. Saturday until 11 p.m. PDT Sunday.

Snow totals of 2 to 8 inches are expected below 8,000 feet, with 6 to 12 inches above that level. Higher terrain along the Sierra crest could receive up to 24 inches.

Winds are expected to peak near 80 mph along the crest and up to 45 mph along Highway 395, significantly increasing the risk of blowing snow, downed trees and power outages.

Lassen, Eastern Plumas And Eastern Sierra Counties

A winter weather advisory is in place for Lassen, Eastern Plumas and Eastern Sierra Counties, issued at 8:21 a.m. PDT Friday and valid from 2 p.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. PDT Sunday.

Snow accumulations are forecast to reach up to 24 inches above 7,000 feet, with 6 to 12 inches above 6,500 feet and lighter totals at lower elevations. Wind gusts could reach 35 to 40 mph on Saturday afternoon.

Officials said drivers should expect slick road conditions, especially during the Saturday evening and Sunday morning travel periods.

Southern California Mountains

Winter weather advisories are also in effect for parts of Southern California, including the San Gabriel Mountains, Interstate 5 Corridor, and portions of Ventura and Santa Barbara County mountains.

Warnings were issued by the NWS in Los Angeles/Oxnard at 12:28 a.m. PDT Saturday.

In Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, advisories run from 9 p.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. PDT Monday, while the Interstate 5 and San Gabriel Mountains advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. Sunday until 11 a.m. PDT Monday.

Snow totals of up to 6 inches above 6,000 feet are expected, with wind gusts reaching 40 mph. 

Snow levels are forecast to drop as low as 4,500 to 5,000 feet by late Sunday night, potentially affecting the Monday morning commute.

Northern California And Oregon

Northern Trinity County remains under a winter weather advisory until 11 p.m. PDT Sunday, following an issuance at 12:25 a.m. Saturday. Snow totals of 4 to 7 inches could impact Highway 3 at Scott Mountain Pass.

In Western Siskiyou County, an advisory runs from 8 p.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. PDT Sunday, with 4 to 8 inches expected above 5,000 feet and up to 13 inches along ridges.

Alaska And Hawaii

In Alaska, winter weather advisories remain in effect through early Saturday for the Bering Strait Coast and Western Arctic Coast, with blowing snow, gusts up to 50 mph and reduced visibility.

Even Hawaii is feeling the storm’s reach. The NWS in Honolulu extended a winter weather advisory for Big Island summits above 12,500 feet until 6 a.m. HST Saturday, warning of snow, freezing rain, and winds gusting to 60 mph, making summit travel very difficult to impossible.