Summary:
A powerful winter storm is underway across the west bringing heavy higher elevation mountain snow, dangerous blizzard for the Sierra Nevada Mountains, damaging winds, hazardous sea conditions and cold temperatures to much of the West through this weekend. Meanwhile, critical fire weather concerns increase this weekend for portions of the central and southern High Plains. Impacted Lanes: I-5, I-90, I-84, I-15, I-94, I-80, I-580, I-40, I-26, I-79, I-44
California
Wind Advisory remains in effect until 4 AM PST Saturday morning
- Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected on high terrain.
- Impacts: Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges. There is an increased risk of tree branches and other debris on roadways. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
High Wind Warning remains in effect until 12 PM PST Sunday
- Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 80 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 90 mph.
- Impacts: Strong winds could damage trees and other objects. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 AM PST Sunday morning
- Wet snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, locally 6 to 12 inches above 7500 feet. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.
- Impacts: Travel could be very difficult. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.
Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 AM PST Saturday morning
- Periods of heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, but 1 to 2 feet in the mountains. Winds gusting 45 to 55 mph.
- Impacts: Travel could be very difficult. Snow and blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility with occasional whiteout conditions possible. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 10 AM PST Sunday morning
- Extremely dangerous to impossible travel from blizzard conditions. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 feet above 5000 feet, local amounts of 12 feet or more over peaks, with 1 to 4 feet above 3000 feet through Sunday morning. Minor accumulations down to around 2000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 75 mph or higher.
- Impacts: Extremely dangerous to impossible travel conditions with extended road closures likely. Widespread blowing snow will create blizzard conditions with white-out conditions and near zero visibility. Very strong winds, combined with heavy snow could cause extensive tree damage and extended power outages.
Oklahoma
Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 AM CST this morning
- Visibility one-quarter mile or less in dense fog.
- Impacts: Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.
Additional Wind Advisories include but are not limited to: Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, and Tennessee
Additional High Wind Warnings include but are not limited to: Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming
Additional Winter Weather Advisories include but are not limited to: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, North Carolina, and West Virginia
Additional Winter Storm Warnings include but are not limited to: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada
Additional Blizzard Warnings include but are not limited to: Nevada
Additional Dense Fog Advisories include but are not limited to: Texas
