California Winter Storm Watch | Effective 04/20/2026 01:50

Headline: 
Winter Storm Watch issued April 20 at 1:50AM PDT until April 22 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
Event: 
Winter Storm Watch
Urgency: 
Future
Effective: 
April 20, 2026 - 1:50am
Expires: 
April 20, 2026 - 10:15am
Description: 
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations 3 to 5 inches above 7,000 feet, with 12 to 18 inches possible at the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada. Winds could gust as high as 75 mph along the Sierra crest. * WHERE...Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, Kings Canyon NP, Sequoia NP, Upper San Joaquin River, and Yosemite NP outside of the valley. * WHEN...From late tonight through Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage.
Instruction: 
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Area Description: 
Yosemite NP outside of the valley; Upper San Joaquin River; Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge; Kings Canyon NP; Sequoia NP
Forcast Office: 
NWS Hanford CA