Six Weather Warnings Issued as California Slammed with 145 MPH Winds

Six weather warnings were in place in California on Friday morning as a dangerous winter storm moved into the region.

The massive storm threatening more than 100 inches of snow in some parts of California began impacting the Golden State on Thursday. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists had issued a slew of weather-related warnings by Friday as the storm began to rage. The warnings encompassed nearly the entire state of California and included a winter storm warning, a blizzard warning, a wind advisory, a winter weather advisory, a high wind warning and a high wind watch.

NWS meteorologist Sara Purdue told Newsweek that the highest winds will be felt in the mountains. "The winds are going to increase as you go up in elevation," Purdue said, adding that the winds will last through Saturday and potentially into Sunday.

Winds have become an issue as the storm grips the state, and gusts reached up to 145 miles per hour near Lake Tahoe on Thursday night.

"With the strongest jet stream not arriving until tomorrow night, it's possible that winds could approach the all-time California wind record of 199 mph along the Sierra Crest," storm chaser and weather expert Colin McCarthy posted on X, formerly Twitter.

McCarthy previously warned that the incoming storm brought with it the "most extreme blizzard forecast" he has ever seen in California.

"Up to 160 inches of snow could fall on the highest peaks through Sunday, with gusts over 150+ mph possible. Unfathomable amounts of snow and wind – not a storm you want to mess with," McCarthy posted.

Videos of the heavy snowfall were shared on social media, beginning on Thursday. The NWS office in Sacramento posted regular updates about the conditions on Interstate 80 as snowfall steadily increased and began to accumulate. The combined wind and snow threats will make travel extremely difficult or impossible, the NWS said.

"Extremely dangerous to impossible travel conditions with extended road closures likely," one warning said. "Widespread blowing snow will create blizzard conditions with white-out conditions and near-zero visibility. Very strong winds, combined with heavy snow, could cause extensive tree damage and extended power outages."

Flurries began falling in parts of California on Thursday and steadily increased in intensity.

The NWS said that, for the northern half of California, Blue Canyon is expected to receive the most snow, up to 114 inches. Other areas anticipating substantial snow amounts are Alder Springs, at up to 24 inches; Quincy, at 36 inches; and Yosemite Valley, with 30 inches.