Winter Storm Warning Issued for Parts of Northern and Central California

A winter storm warning covers parts of northern and central California, including the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park above 4,500 feet, as well as the cities of Chester, Blue Canyon, and Quincy. The National Weather Service issued the alert for snowy conditions expected to continue through April 12, 2026, and into the night.

Additional snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches are forecast above 4,500 feet, with up to 2 feet possible at the highest peaks, and 2 to 4 inches down to 4,000 feet.

Winds could gust as high as 45 mph during the storm, according to the National Weather Service. m. local time on April 12, 2026. The Sacramento office of the National Weather Service stated that mountain travel is highly discouraged due to slick road conditions.

Recent Snowfall and Forecast This additional snowfall follows accumulations from the previous day in higher elevations of the state.

The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab at Donner Pass reported nearly 8 inches of snow on April 11, 2026. The lab described the snow as wet and dense and forecasted 18 to 36 inches more over the night of April 11 and throughout April 12. The National Weather Service initially issued a winter storm watch for the Sierra Nevada on April 10, 2026, anticipating moderate to heavy snowfall over the weekend.

The forecast for that period indicated up to 4 feet of snow in certain Sierra Nevada regions, along with wind gusts up to 45 mph. These conditions build on weekend weather patterns in northern California.

Broader Weather Context Northern California experienced other severe weather over the weekend, including potential thunderstorms, brief heavy rain, erratic winds, hail up to 1 inch in diameter, and a small chance of weak tornadoes.

Thunderstorms, lightning, and flooding occurred in areas such as the Sacramento Valley. These events occurred alongside the ongoing mountain snow. In contrast, other parts of the United States are forecast to see warmer weather during the week of April 13, 2026.

Regions in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast could experience temperatures in the upper 80s from April 14 to April 16, 2026. This shift highlights varying weather patterns across the country. The winter storm warning affects travel and outdoor activities in the specified mountain areas, where road conditions may remain hazardous.

Residents and travelers in the region should monitor updates from the National Weather Service for any changes to the forecast. No injuries or major disruptions have been reported as of April 12, 2026.