The National Weather Service in Reno has issued an urgent winter weather message warning residents of northeastern California to expect periods of snow and rain from now until Sunday afternoon. Snow levels will gradually lower over the next few days with heavy snow reaching the valley floor by Sunday afternoon.
There are two main components to this series of storms and the NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning from now until 4:00a.m. Thursday when it changes to a Winter Storm Warning until Sunday afternoon at 4:00.
For the storm that is currently affecting us, snow is expected to be above 5,000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are forecast, except 4 to 8 inches west of highway 395. Local snowfall totals of up to a foot above 5,500 feet south and west of Susanville are possible. Here in the valley less than 2 inches is expected.
Then Thursday morning the advisory becomes a Winter Storm Warning that lasts through Christmas, all the way until Sunday at 4:00p.m.
For the period covered by the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow is expected at times, even here in the valley. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 18 inches, except two to five feet west of highway 395 above 5,000 feet.
Travel could be slow throughout the day today before becoming very difficult to impossible through the remainder of the holiday weekend. There may be a break in heavier snow late
Thursday night and Friday. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination.
Now is the time to prepare an emergency kit for your home and car. If traveling consider alternate plans, remember to carry tire chains, extra food, water and clothing. Once the major storm
arrives tonight, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period of time.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
