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    Winter storm watch affecting Yosemite Tuesday and Wednesday – gusts may reach 75 mph
    • April 19, 2026

    Yosemite, Upper San Joaquin River, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, Kings Canyon NP and Sequoia NP are included in a winter storm watch released by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 9:23 a.m. The watch is valid from Tuesday 2 a.m. until Wednesday April 22, at 5 p.m.

    The NWS Hanford CA informs, “Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations 3 to 5 inches above 7,000 feet, with 12 to 18 inches possible at the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada. Winds could gust as high as 75 mph along the Sierra crest.”

    “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. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage,” the NWS said. “Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 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.”

    Driving through winter: Expert tips from the NWS for a safe journey

    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 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 allow them 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 

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