Yosemite is the focus of a winter weather advisory issued at 12:51 p.m. on Tuesday by the National Weather Service. The advisory is valid from Wednesday 11 a.m. until Thursday Oct. 22, at 11 a.m.
“There is an 80% chance of 4 inches or more of snow along the Tioga Pass and highway 120. There is a 50 – 60% chance for four inches or more of snow above 8,000 feet in Tulare, Madera, and Fresno counties,” can be expected according to the NWS Hanford CA. “Snowfall will affect traffic across Tioga Highway/Pass.”
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the NWS said. “Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”
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 driving guide: Tips from the NWS for safe and sound travels
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, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. 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 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, verify the current 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