A major winter storm is expected to bring up to 28 inches of snow, strong winds, and hazardous conditions across parts of California, Nevada, and Hawaii through the weekend. Authorities are warning that travel could become dangerous or even impossible in the hardest-hit regions.
TheNational Weather Service has issued multiple alerts as the system moves in from Thursday into Sunday, affecting mountainous areas most severely. According to the National Weather Service, residents in impacted zones have been advised to remain indoors until conditions improve, as visibility and road safety are expected to deteriorate significantly.
Sierra Nevada Faces the Most Severe Impacts With Heavy Snow and Extreme Winds
The Sierra Nevada region in California is forecast to receive the brunt of the storm, with heavy snowfall concentrated at higher elevations. According to the National Weather Service, areas above 7,000 feet could see substantial accumulations, while strong winds may reach up to 90 mph along exposed ridgelines.
Mono County is among the areas expected to experience notable snowfall. Forecasts indicate up to 12 inches above8,000 feet, with higher ridges potentially receiving as much as 24 inches. Wind gusts in this region could peak near 80 mph between Friday night and Sunday night, increasing the risk of whiteout conditions and making travel especially hazardous.
In the Greater Lake Tahoe area, snowfall totals may range from 10 inches below 7,000 feet to as much as 28 inches at higher elevations. The National Weather Service warns that a combination of heavy snow and strong winds could render driving “very difficult to impossible,” particularly over the weekend. Chain controls and road closures are likely, especially along major passes.
Further north, the western slopes of the northernSierra Nevada and parts of Plumas County could receive between one and four feet of snow, with the heaviest accumulation expected around midday Sunday. Lassen and eastern Plumas Counties may also see up to 12 inches above 6,500 feet, accompanied by gusts reaching 40 mph.
Nevada and Hawaii Also Brace for Disruptive Winter Conditions
The storm system is not limited to California. In Nevada, communities around Lake Tahoe, including Incline Village, Glenbrook, and Stateline, are expected to experience similar conditions. According to the National Weather Service, snowfall totals in these areas could reach between 6 and 10 inches below 7,000 feet, and up to 28 inches above that elevation.
Wind speeds along the Sierra crest in Nevada may also approach 90 mph, creating blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility. These conditions are likely to disrupt travel and outdoor activity throughout the weekend.
Meanwhile, Hawaii’sBig Island is under a winter weather advisory affecting its highest summits. Though less typical, snowfall is expected at elevation, with up to 6 inches forecast along with ice accumulation and winds reaching 60 mph. According to the National Weather Service, these conditions could make travel to summit areas “very difficult to impossible,” with visibility reduced by both falling and blowing snow.
Officials across all affected regions continue to emphasize caution. Drivers are being urged to delay travel where possible, particularly in mountainous terrain where conditions can shift rapidly. The combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and ice presents a broad set of hazards that may persist through the weekend.
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