As winter tightens its grip across the western United States, several states are now under winter weather alerts with the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting heavy snowfall of up to 18 inches in certain regions. The warnings, issued early Wednesday, highlight severe conditions expected to affect travel, infrastructure, and daily life in central California and parts of Nevada.

According to Newsweek, the Sierra Nevada range and surrounding areas are likely to see the most intense snow activity, with the NWS predicting that Central Sierra, mainly south of Interstate 80, will experience 12 to 18 inches of snow.

Story Highlights

• Up to 18 inches of snow forecast for Central Sierra, California

• Snow levels between 5,500 and 6,500 feet, heaviest overnight Tuesday

• Nevada’s Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range to receive up to 15 inches

• Mono County could see 12 inches along the Sierra Crest

• Travel expected to be dangerous across mountain routes, especially State Route 229 and Harrison Pass

Snow Blankets Central Sierra

The National Weather Service has warned residents that snow levels will remain between 5,500 and 6,500 feet, with the heaviest accumulation expected late Tuesday into early Wednesday morning.

“Snow levels will be 5500 to 6500 feet, with heaviest snow accumulation expected off and on Tuesday evening and overnight, decreasing quickly by sunrise Wednesday,” the NWS said.

Travelers have been advised to take precautions as driving conditions may become extremely difficult. Steep slopes and high passes are expected to see the worst of the storm, with visibility dropping rapidly during peak snowfall hours.

“Travel in parts of the central Sierra could be very difficult,” the agency cautioned, urging motorists to avoid unnecessary movement during the storm’s most active period.

Nevada Faces Heavy Snow in Mountain Regions

Neighboring Nevada is also under a winter storm warning, with the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range in Elko County forecast to receive up to 15 inches of snow.

In its alert, the NWS Elko office said a strong “storm will impact Northern and Central Nevada from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night,” resulting in heavy snow accumulation and potentially dangerous road conditions.

“Periods of precipitation are expected throughout the storm duration,” the agency added, emphasizing that roadways such as State Route 229 through Secret Pass and Harrison Pass could become snow-covered and hazardous.

Motorists traveling through these regions are urged to check local advisories and carry emergency supplies.

Mono County and Western Wyoming Also on Alert

In Mono County, California, snow is also expected to accumulate heavily, with forecasts suggesting up to 12 inches along the Sierra Crest. The snowstorm could impact mountain communities and delay transportation routes connecting northern and southern parts of the state.

Further north, NWS Riverton in Wyoming has predicted widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next 48 hours, noting that rain and snow will mainly affect higher elevations in western Wyoming.

NWS Increases Awareness on Social Media

The National Weather Service has been actively using social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to raise awareness about the evolving storm system. Officials are urging residents in both California and Nevada to stay updated on weather alerts and to prepare for rapidly changing conditions.

“This afternoon through Wednesday night, Northern and Central Nevada will experience storm impacts with periods of precipitation,” the NWS Elko office posted Tuesday, along with a map outlining the affected zones.

Emergency services have also been placed on alert, and residents have been advised to limit mountain travel, ensure vehicles are winter-ready, and stock up on essential supplies in case of road closures.

FAQs

Will the Central Sierra experience heavy snow?
Yes. The Central Sierra is forecast to receive 12 to 18 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

How severe will conditions be in Nevada?
Parts of Elko County, especially around the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range, could receive up to 15 inches of snow and face very difficult travel conditions.

What about Mono County?
Mono County could see 12 inches of heavy snow, particularly along the Sierra Crest, where elevation and terrain intensify snow accumulation.

What is NWS?
The National Weather Service (NWS) is the official meteorological bureau of the United States responsible for issuing forecasts, weather warnings, and public safety alerts across the country.

Bottom Line

The NWS Winter Storm Warning serves as a reminder of how swiftly winter conditions can escalate across the western U.S. With snowfall totals reaching up to 18 inches, residents of central California and Nevada are urged to remain vigilant and plan ahead for potential delays, travel restrictions, and severe cold in the coming days.

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