Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Reno have issued an Urgent Winter Weather Message warning that a very potent winter storm will be impacting our region beginning early Thursday morning and lasting into the beginning of next week.
This massive, dangerous winter storm, which forecasters are calling the largest of the year, is expected to cause strong and damaging winds here in the Honey Lake Valley and as well as yielding several feet of snowfall, especially in the
Sierra Mountain portions of the area.
A cold front associated with a surface low moving eastward across western Canada is depicted to push through area starting in the afternoon hours of Thursday. With this feature, winds begin to increase drastically out of the southwest with potentially strong gusts up to, or over, 60mph.
Blizzard conditions are likely, particularly from Friday evening through Saturday morning.
Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet for Plumas, Sierra and western Lassen counties, up to 12 inches along Highway 395 here in the Honey Lake Valley.
Localized amounts of 4 to 7 feet near Lassen Park, Yuba Pass, and Lake Davis are possible, with winds gusting as high as 70mph.
The blizzard warning is in effect from 4:00a.m. Thursday to 4:00a.m. Sunday.
Whiteout conditions with near zero visibility at times due to 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 expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous.
Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.
