Special Statement
Expires 3:00 PM PST on February 11, 2012
Statement as of 3:00 am PST on February 11, 2012
... Storm to reach the central California interior Monday...
A Pacific storm will spread rain and mountain snow across the
central California interior Monday... with gusty winds over the Kern
County mountains and deserts Monday afternoon and evening.
A very cold airmass is associated with this storm... and snow levels
will drop rapidly Monday. The snow level at Yosemite will be around
4000 feet Monday... dropping to 3500 feet by Tuesday morning. Snow
levels will be higher to the south... but are expected to lower to
around 4000 feet in the Tehachapi Mountains by late Monday.
Although there is some uncertainty as to expected rainfall and
snowfall amounts... computer models forecast up to a half inch of
rain on the San Joaquin Valley floor for Monday and Monday night. In
the southern Sierra Nevada... snowfall accumulations of 5 to 8 inches
will be possible over the high country. Light accumulations could
fall on the Grapevine and Tehachapi Pass.
The storm also will bring gusty winds to the Kern County mountains
and deserts. Gusts up to 45 mph will be possible over the ridges and
through and below favored passes and canyons... especially Monday
afternoon and evening.
People planning travel into the southern Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi
Mountains Monday and Monday night should be prepared for winter
driving conditions. Carry chains... warm clothing... water and non
perishable food. Allow extra travel time and be prepared for delays
or Road closures. The gusty winds may make travel in the Kern County
mountains and deserts difficult at times for high profile vehicles
such as campers and trailers.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio... or your favorite news
source... for updates on this storm. Or visit our web site at
www.Weather.Gov/Hanford.
Sanger
