Sierra Nevada Weather Alert: Up to 2 Feet of Snow Expected South of Highway 50 by Midweek
BLUE CANYON, CALIFORNIA — A strong Pacific storm system is preparing to deliver the Sierra Nevada’s first major snow event of the season early next week, with the National Weather Service in Sacramento issuing a Winter Storm Watch from Monday afternoon through Wednesday evening. Forecasters say 1 to 2 feet of snow could accumulate south of Highway 50, with lighter but still significant totals to the north.
Heavy Snow and Hazardous Mountain Travel
According to the National Weather Service, snow levels will fall to near 6,500 feet by Monday afternoon, with heavier snow bands expected Monday night through Tuesday morning. The system will likely impact Interstate 80 and Highway 50, producing low visibility and occasional whiteout conditions due to gusty winds reaching 35 mph.
Forecasters warn that both eastbound and westbound travelers between Auburn and South Lake Tahoe should expect chain controls, delays, and potentially dangerous conditions. Officials are urging drivers to avoid unnecessary mountain travel until the storm passes.
Travel Restrictions and Preparation Tips
Caltrans advises motorists to check QuickMap for real-time updates before traveling through mountain passes. Chains may be required at multiple locations as snow continues to build Monday night into Tuesday.
The National Weather Service notes that the exact track of the storm remains uncertain, meaning snowfall totals could shift northward or linger into Wednesday. Residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare vehicles with emergency kits, check tire chains, and pack blankets, food, and water if travel is unavoidable.
Early-Season Power Outages Possible
Meteorologists say this early-season storm could produce wet, heavy snow, raising the risk of tree damage and power outages across higher elevations. Communities near Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, and Sonora Pass may see intermittent outages as snow accumulates on power lines and branches.
The upcoming system marks an early arrival of winter weather for the Sierra Nevada, signaling an active storm pattern heading into late October. Cooler air will remain in place through midweek before conditions gradually improve by Thursday.
Stay tuned to NapervilleLocal.com for the latest Sierra Nevada forecasts, travel advisories, and storm updates across California and the West.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.