Heavy snow, winter storm warning in forecast for Sierra Nevada. How much?
A winter storm warning has been issued for the Sierra Nevada as an incoming storm is poised to dump snow on the mountains, the National Weather Service said.
The warning will take effect at 2 a.m. Tuesday and is expected to end at 5 p.m. Wednesday, the agency said.
The forecast calls for 12 to 18 inches of snow in the Sierra, with up to 2 feet of snow on the highest peaks.
Snow levels will initially be from 6,000 to 7,000 feet Monday night, lowering to 5,500 to 6,500 feet Tuesday, and down to 4,500 to 5,500 feet Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Below 4,500 feet, up to 2 inches of snow may fall, the service said. Southwest winds with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.
The weather service warned drivers to be aware of “significant” reductions to visibility at times and probable travel delays. Travel may be “difficult to impossible” with road closures and chain controls in effect.
Latest doppler radar loop for Northern California
Thunderstorms, rain also expected
Isolated thunderstorms are possible, most likely late Tuesday evening, the weather service said. Lightning, hail, gusty winds, brief heavy rain and funnel clouds are expected.
Showers and rain are expected Tuesday and Wednesday across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, with a chance of rain on Thursday followed by clearing skies.
The system is expected to bring moderate rainfall to Sacramento, Modesto, Merced, Fresno and San Luis Obispo.
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 3:24 PM.