Winter storm watch affecting Northern California Tuesday and Wednesday

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On Sunday at 9:11 a.m. a winter storm watch was released by the NWS Sacramento CA valid from Tuesday 2 a.m. until Wednesday 5 p.m. The watch is for Lassen Volcanic National Park, Sierra Nevada of Tehama-Butte-Plumas counties Above 3000 ft, Sierra Nevada of Sierra-Nevada-Placer counties Above 5000 ft Including Interstate 80, Sierra Nevada of El Dorado-Amador-Northern Alpine counties Above 5000 ft Including Highway 50 and Sierra Nevada of Calaveras-Tuolumne-Southern Alpine counties Above 5000 ft.

"Heavy snow possible above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations of up to 12 to 18 inches, with up to 2 feet at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 inches possible down to 4500 feet. Southwest winds could gust as high as 50 mph," says the NWS. "Snow levels initially 6000 to 7000 feet Monday night, lowering to 5500 to 6500 feet Tuesday, and down to 4500 to 5500 feet Wednesday. Heaviest snowfall expected Tuesday afternoon and evening."

"Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday and Wednesday commutes," comments the NWS.

This watch is in effect until Wednesday at 5 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 April 19, 2026 at 9:15 AM.