Winter storm warning affecting Northern California until Thursday night

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At 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, the NWS Sacramento CA issued a winter storm warning in effect until Thursday at 10 p.m. The warning is for Shasta Lake, Northern Sacramento Valley, Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County, Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley, Motherlode, Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada as well as Shasta County.

"Heavy snow with additional snow accumulations up to 1 inches foot between 1000 and 3000 feet, 2 to 3 feet above 3000 feet, and up to 4 feet at peaks. Light snowfall accumulations up to 2 inches below 1000 feet in Shasta and Tehama counties. Winds gusting as high 45 to 55 mph," can be anticipated according to the NWS. "Snow levels remain around 1500 to 2500 feet through Thursday in the Sierra Foothills with potential to see snow levels as low as 1000 feet. Snow levels potentially down to 300 feet along the southern Cascades, Shasta County, and Tehama County in the morning hours."

"Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Additional power outages from downed trees and power lines. Low visibility due to a combination of gusty wind and heavy snow," adds the NWS.

This warning is in effect until Thursday at 10 p.m.

Winter weather driving tips from the NWS

On average, weather-related vehicle crashes kill more than 6,000 people nationwide and injure more than 480,000 people each year. Slow down to stay safe if you must travel during periods of snow or freezing rain. If the temperature outside is near freezing, it is safest to assume ice is present on roadways and drive accordingly. If there is ice on power lines or tree branches, the weight may cause them to snap and fall. Avoid driving during those conditions if possible. If you must go out, choose a route with the least number of trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and call 911 if you encounter one. Here are some additional winter weather driving tips:

• If you must travel out of town, and dangerous winter weather conditions are expected, be sure to tell your family or friends where you are going, your intended route, and the time of arrival.
• Make sure your gas tank is full. Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
• Don't panic if you become stranded. Call someone to let them know you are stranded. Do not try to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car antenna or mirror to indicate you need help. Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
• Be alert for snow plows, and allow plenty of room for them to pass. If you are going around a plow, only do so when you can see the road ahead of the plow.
• Check road conditions before you depart.

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published February 18, 2026 at 11:45 AM.