The National Weather Service’s Hanford office has issued a series of key messages regarding severe weather conditions expected to impact Central California. Stronger wind gusts are forecasted to sweep through the area from this evening into Thursday morning, prompting the issuance of a Wind Advisory for much of the San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, a High Wind Warning has been issued for the Tehachapi Mountains, including the Grapevine area.
The primary focus of concern lies along the Interstate 5 corridor through the Grapevine, where damaging south winds gusts are anticipated until tonight. Across the Coastal Range and the San Joaquin Valley, strong and gusty south winds are expected to prevail throughout the day and into the night.
In the Sierra Nevada region, major to extreme winter storm impacts are anticipated above 5,000 feet elevation from this evening through Thursday evening. Snowfall amounts of up to four feet are forecasted, posing significant challenges for travelers and residents in higher elevations.