Winter Storm Warning in One State Shows Timeline of Snow

An updated forecast has revealed the arrival time of heavy snow in California as a winter storm approaches.

Much of the U.S. is anticipating turbulent weather this week as a winter storm arrives, bringing varying temperatures, severe thunderstorms and tornado risk to the Midwest, and heavy snow, rain and strong winds to the Pacific Northwest. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Sacramento shared an updated timeline that revealed when the worst impacts were expected to hit the Golden State.

"A MAJOR winter storm is expected to bring extremely heavy mountain snow, foothill snow, strong winds, & widespread rain late week-weekend," the office posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday. "Here's the latest storm timeline. Dry conditions early next week with cold morning lows."

By Thursday, snow and rain will begin falling north of Interstate 80. The precipitation will intensify throughout the day and will be accompanied by strong winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour locally and 60 miles per hour in the Sierra Nevada mountains by Thursday night, according to a timeline attached to the post.

The timeline warned that extreme impacts from the storm would be felt on Friday when moderate to heavy rain and extremely heavy snow will begin falling accompanied by strong winds.

Snow, rain and wind will continue into the weekend with major impacts from the storm expected to be felt in the Sacramento region on Saturday. NWS meteorologist Katrina Hand told Newsweek that heavy snow is anticipated in the mountains and the foothills and encouraged people to prepare prior to the storm's arrival.

Road impacts are likely from the storm.

"A MAJOR winter storm will bring EXTREMELY HEAVY mountain snow Thursday-Weekend," the NWS office shared in a follow-up post. "Multiple FEET of snow are forecast with whiteout conditions and road closures likely. Heaviest snow above 3000 ft. Take advantage of the dry conditions today and tomorrow to prepare!"

By Sunday, the rain and snow will begin to weaken. Dry, cool weather will return on Monday, and frost is possible.

A winter storm watch was in place for much of northern California and southern Oregon as of Tuesday midday.

The NWS office in Sacramento warned of up to 9 feet of snow at elevations above 5,000 feet.

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility," the advisory said. "The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage as well as power outages."