As the first weekend of 2026 unfolded, Northern California and much of the western United States found themselves in the grip of a relentless winter storm, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a flurry of warnings and advisories. The storm, which began intensifying late Friday, January 2, continued to pound the region through Sunday, January 4, and is forecast to persist into Monday, January 5. The impact is being felt most acutely in the Sierra Nevada and surrounding high-elevation areas, where heavy snow, fierce winds, and treacherous travel conditions have become the norm.
According to the NWS Eureka, California, an updated winter storm warning was issued at 12:54 a.m. on Sunday, January 4, extending through 10 a.m. Monday for Northern Trinity. The warning, as reported by United Robots California, cautioned residents to prepare for "heavy snow above 5,000 feet. Additional snow accumulations between 6 and 9 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph." The agency added, "Travel could be very difficult," urging anyone who must travel to keep extra flashlights, food, and water in their vehicles in case of emergency.
The severity of the situation prompted the KCRA 3 weather team to declare both an Alert Day for Saturday and an Impact Day for Sunday, highlighting risks to public safety and the likelihood of significant travel disruptions. As KCRA 3 meteorologist Ophelia Young explained, "Rain activity could pick up after 11 p.m. Saturday as showers start spotty and increase overnight. Rain is expected to be steady by Sunday morning and at times moderate through the afternoon." Snow levels, which began around 7,000 feet on Saturday, are expected to drop to 5,000 feet by Sunday, with heavy snowfall anticipated at these elevations.
The numbers paint a daunting picture. The NWS forecasted two to four feet of snow for elevations above 6,000 feet from Friday evening through Monday, with the Carson and Sonora passes possibly seeing up to five feet. Chain controls are likely to be implemented, meaning vehicles without four-wheel drive and snow tires will need chains, and speed limits on major routes like Interstate 80 and Highway 50 will be reduced to 30 mph and 25 mph, respectively. The NWS warned of near-whiteout conditions and major travel delays, strongly discouraging mountain travel during this period.
And the storm's reach extends far beyond California. As reported by Newsweek, on January 3 and 4, the NWS continued to issue winter storm warnings across the West and Northeast, with affected states including Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, and Alaska. In Nevada, Mono County and the Greater Lake Tahoe Area are under warnings until 10 a.m. Monday, with expected snow accumulations of one to three feet above 7,000 feet. In New York State, Oswego County faces a separate winter storm warning through Saturday evening, with heavy lake-effect snow projected to add eight to twelve inches to the ground.
Winds have also been a major concern. KCRA 3 meteorologist Tamara Berg reported that gusts across the Sacramento Valley could reach 30-40 mph, while the NWS California warned of gusts up to 55 mph in higher elevations. Some mountain areas may even see gusts over 100 mph, creating blizzard conditions at the highest peaks and raising the risk of tree damage and power outages.
The threat of flooding adds another layer of danger. A flood watch is in effect until 4 p.m. Monday for the Valley and Foothills, as heavy rain in the lower elevations combines with rapid snow accumulation above. Isolated severe storms have brought intense downpours, lightning, and even small hail, with meteorologists warning that brief tornadoes or funnel clouds can't be ruled out.
With hazardous conditions expected to persist, officials and weather experts are emphasizing the importance of preparation and caution. The NWS Las Vegas issued an updated warning at 12:34 a.m. Sunday for the Eastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo County, effective until 4 a.m. Monday. The advisory was clear: "Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary."
Winter weather poses significant risks not just to travelers, but to anyone caught unprepared. The NWS and AAA both recommend carrying a bundle of cold-weather gear in vehicles, including extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, windshield scraper, blankets, medications, and more. The NWS adds, "If you must travel during periods of snow or freezing rain, slow down to stay safe. If the temperature outside is near freezing, it is safest to assume ice is present on roadways and drive accordingly."
Other crucial tips from the NWS and AAA include letting someone know your travel plans and expected arrival time, keeping your gas tank full, and never touching downed power lines. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle, call for help, and use a visible marker—like a cloth on your antenna—to signal distress. Snow plows have the right of way, and drivers are urged to allow them plenty of room, passing only when the road ahead is clearly visible.
But what exactly triggers a winter storm warning? According to the NWS, such warnings are issued when heavy snow of at least six inches in twelve hours, or at least eight inches in twenty-four hours, is expected. Sleet accumulation of at least half an inch or ice accumulation of at least a quarter inch can also prompt warnings. Blizzard warnings, meanwhile, are reserved for conditions with visibility less than a quarter mile due to falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 mph for three hours or more.
As the storm continues, the CDC advises everyone to limit time outdoors, stating, "Try to stay indoors during extremely cold weather. Make any trips outside as brief as possible, and remember these tips below to protect your health and safety."
For those needing to travel, the advice is simple but vital: adjust your speed for lower traction, accelerate slowly to avoid skids, and allow extra time for every journey. "Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight," AAA cautions.
With the winter storm showing no signs of letting up before Monday afternoon, officials across Northern California and neighboring states continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through local weather apps, traffic maps, and news broadcasts, and to heed all warnings and advisories. For now, the message from meteorologists and emergency services is clear—stay safe, stay prepared, and if you can, stay home.
