Winter Storm Warning Issued for Northern California

Large parts of California are under a winter storm warning as forecasters predict several feet of snowfall across higher elevations, raising concerns about dangerous travel conditions.

The National Weather Service warned travelers heading to and from the Sierra Nevada, including its popular ski resorts, to expect significant travel disruptions and exercise extreme caution.

Dakari Anderson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Sacramento, said the period from Saturday through early Sunday morning represented the safest window for travel before the cold weather system intensifies.

While light snowfall was recorded earlier in the week and conditions remained relatively calm on Saturday, the storm is expected to strengthen Sunday afternoon. Communities at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet are forecast to receive between one and two feet of snow.

Higher elevation areas could see substantially heavier snowfall totals, potentially ranging from six to eight feet, creating hazardous road conditions, limited visibility and possible power disruptions.

Officials are urging residents and visitors to monitor weather updates closely as the powerful winter system moves through Northern California, threatening mountain communities and major travel routes.