Fierce Winds, Heavy Snow Expected To Blast Northeast California As Winter Storm Charges In

A storm system will be moving through Northeast California by late Wednesday night that is expected to generate strong winds and heavy snowfall, including up to 18 inches in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The incoming storm has triggered the NWS to issue a Winter Storm Watch that will be in effect from “late Wednesday night through late Thursday night” for the region, which is a time frame of 1:00 a.m. Thursday to 4:00 a.m. Friday. (RELATED: Video Shows Moment Plane Crashes Into South Florida Neighborhood While On Hurricane Relief Mission To Jamaica, 2 Dead)

Heavy snowfall is being forecasted for areas over 7,000 feet with 4-10 inches expected, while 1-5 inches could be seen at lake level. Along the Sierra crest, 8-18 inches of snow could fall, per the NWS.

Ridges are expected to see wind gusts that exceed 100 mph, which is equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane, according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A ⚠️ Winter Storm Watch ⚠️ has been issued for NE CA above 5500 ft, the Greater Lake Tahoe region, & Mono Co, in effect from 1 am Thu until 4 am Fri. ❄️🌨️
Find details below or at this link: https://t.co/gH4Yh8917p#cawx #nvwx pic.twitter.com/lMxNHlCnCW

— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) November 11, 2025

The system will begin to move in Wednesday afternoon with gusts intensifying overnight, leading to a peak Thursday morning as the front heads through the area, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS also issued an advisory for residents and visitors to prepare themselves for rough lakes, bumpy flights and grueling driving conditions Thursday morning, particularly on I-80 and US-50 where the potential for crosswind hazards are the highest.