Winter storm warning in place for Yosemite from Sunday to Wednesday – gusts to hit 60 mph
Yosemite is included in a winter storm warning released by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 11:47 a.m. The warning is valid from Sunday 10 p.m. until Wednesday Feb. 18, at 10 p.m.
“Heavy snow with total snow accumulations 3 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet with 5 to 7 feet over the highest elevations and 1 to 2 feet down to 4,000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph,” can be anticipated according to the NWS Hanford CA. “Snow levels will begin at 5,500 to 6,000 feet on Sunday night and lower to 4,000 feet Tuesday morning. Light snow accumulations down to 3,000 feet Tuesday night into Wednesday.”
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage,” according to the NWS. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
- Yosemite
- Yosemite Valley
- Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra
- Fresno-Tulare Lower Sierra
- South End of the Lower Sierra
- San Joaquin River Canyon
- Upper San Joaquin River
- Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge
- Kings Canyon NP
- Grant Grove area
- Sequoia NP
- South End of the Upper Sierra
- Piute Walker Basin
Emergency alerts in the San Francisco Bay Area
All enabled mobile phones in the area will receive emergency alerts for “considerable or catastrophic” hazards. To monitor other local risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. Follow these instructions to enable your phone to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). To receive local alerts in the Bay Area, visit each county’s website:
Where to find winter weather shelters in your county:
Winter weather shelters in Santa Clara County: San Jose operates the Overnight Warming Location program.
Winter weather shelters in Alameda County: List of winter shelters operated in Alameda County, from Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless.
Winter weather shelters in San Mateo County: San Mateo County residents in need of shelter should visit their local Core Service Agency in order to seek access to the Inclement Weather Program or other shelter programs.
Winter weather shelters in Contra Costa County: For information about how to connect with all emergency shelters in Contra Costa, call 211 or click on the list of shelters provided by Contra Costa Health.
Winter weather shelters in Solano County: Solano County offers a list of centers where anyone can go to keep warm during extreme weather temperatures.
Winter weather driving safety: Navigating the chill with expert tips from the NWS
Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter driving tips from the NWS:
Share your travel plans:
When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.
Prepare your vehicle:
Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
Stay calm when stranded:
If you become stranded, remain composed. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers
Be mindful of snow plows:
Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.
Check road conditions:
Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
These winter driving tips from the NWS are your key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during challenging winter weather.
For more weather alerts in the Yosemite area, visit Weather Advisories