Winter storm warning as over 2 feet of snow to strike

Central California is bracing for a significant winter storm as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple winter weather alerts across the region. Heavy snow is expected to impact various areas, especially in the Sierra Nevada. The NWS Hanford office has put a winter storm warning in place until 10 a.m. Friday for locations stretching from Yosemite National Park through Tulare County. This includes spots like Florence Lake, Shaver Lake, Grant Grove, and Sequoia National Park. Snow accumulations are forecasted to be between six to 12 inches above 8,000 feet, with higher elevations possibly seeing up to 18 inches. Winds could gust up to 40 mph, creating hazardous travel conditions and the risk of falling tree branches. Further north, Mono County faces a more intense situation with a winter storm warning active until 4 p.m. PST Friday. Here, snow totals might reach nine to 12 inches, with some areas near Mt. Lyell potentially getting over two feet. Wind gusts in the highest peaks could hit 70 mph, while lower elevations might see gusts of 40 to 50 mph. The Eastern Sierra Slopes have a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. Friday, predicting up to four inches of snow between 8,500 and 9,500 feet, and four to 12 inches above that range. Strong winds up to 50 mph are also expected, leading to slippery road conditions, especially on Highway 168 near Aspendell. The Greater Lake Tahoe Area is under an advisory valid until noon Friday. Snowfall here is expected to be lighter, around four inches above 8,000 feet, though strong winds may still cause damage to trees and power lines. Meanwhile, the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, including Blue Canyon, is also facing a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. Friday. Snow totals are forecasted between three to six inches south of Highway 50, with higher peaks seeing 12 to 18 inches, alongside gusty winds reaching 50 mph. These warnings come amid an ongoing atmospheric river event expected to persist through the weekend, bringing heavy precipitation and the potential for flash flooding. The NWS Weather Prediction Center highlighted that heavy rain will move from Central California today toward Southern California by Friday. This pattern raises concerns about flash floods, especially near burn scars and steep terrain, which are vulnerable to rapid runoff. Residents and travelers in these regions are urged to prepare for difficult travel and hazardous conditions. The NWS has cautioned that strong winds may bring down tree branches and cause power outages. With forecasts continuously updated, the public is advised to stay tuned to local NWS branches via their websites and social media for the latest information.