< Winter Storm Watch California | Effective 04/09/2026 00:58

Winter Storm Watch California | Effective 04/09/2026 00:58

Headline: 
Winter Storm Watch issued April 9 at 12:58AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
Event: 
Winter Storm Watch
Urgency: 
Future
Effective: 
April 9, 2026 - 12:58am
Expires: 
April 9, 2026 - 11:00am
Description: 
* WHAT...Heavy snow impacting travel and outdoor activities possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to the Lake Isabella area above 7,000 feet. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. * 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. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
Instruction: 
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. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.
Area Description: 
Yosemite NP outside of the valley; Upper San Joaquin River; Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge; Kings Canyon NP; Sequoia NP; South End of the Upper Sierra
Forcast Office: 
NWS Hanford CA