CONTACT US

Contact Form

    News Details

    Winter storm watch issued for Yosemite from Friday to Sunday – winds gusting up to 50 mph
    • April 8, 2026

    Yosemite was placed under a winter storm watch by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 2:50 p.m. The watch is valid from Friday 5 p.m. until Sunday April 12, at 11 p.m.

    The NWS Hanford CA informs, “Heavy snow impacting travel and outdoor activities possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.”

    “Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and 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 possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” according to the NWS. “Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.”

    The full list of affected locations includes:

    • Yosemite
    • Upper San Joaquin River
    • Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge
    • Kings Canyon NP
    • Sequoia NP
    • South End of the Upper Sierra

    Winter weather wisdom: Driving tips from the NWS for challenging conditions

    Winter’s icy grip often turns roads treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When you find yourself on snowy or freezing rain-slicked roads, your top priority should be safety. Slow down and exercise caution. In temperatures near freezing, it’s prudent to assume icy patches on the road and adjust your driving accordingly. Be on alert for ice accumulating on power lines and tree branches, as they may break and fall. If possible, avoid driving in these conditions altogether. But if you must venture out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines, and never touch a downed power line. If you encounter one, dial 911 immediately. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:

    Share your travel plans:

    When venturing out of town in hazardous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, your intended route, and your estimated arrival time.

    Prepare your vehicle:

    Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including 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 aware 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, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

    Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.

    For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page

     Orange County Register 

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    News