A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect above 8,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 a.m. PDT Thursday, bringing the first snow of the season.
There is an 80 percent chance of 4 inches or more along Tioga Pass and Highway 120.
Roads, bridges and overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous.
Snowfall will affect traffic across Tioga Highway.
Where and When
NWS Hanford issued the advisory for the Sierra Nevada above 8,000 feet.
It runs from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 a.m. PDT Thursday.
Areas: Yosemite National Park outside the valley, the Upper San Joaquin River, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park and the south end of the Upper Sierra.
Locations include Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, Devils Postpile, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Florence Lake, Lake Thomas Edison, Lake Wishon, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, Cedar Grove and Johnsondale.
How Much Snow
Tioga Pass and Highway 120: an 80 percent chance of 4 inches or more.
Tulare, Madera and Fresno counties: a 50 to 60 percent chance of 4 inches or more above 8,000 feet.
NWS Hanford expects 3 to 6 inches from Tuesday through Thursday, with heavier amounts above the timberline.
There is also a 15 to 20 percent chance of lightning on Wednesday.
Rain Below the Snow Line
A storm from the Pacific Northwest will stall off the California coast.
Rain chances run from late Tuesday through Thursday.
NWS Hanford says there is still uncertainty about exact totals.
Kern County has a moderate risk of localized flooding across Tehachapi Pass and the Mojave Desert.
Rain totals there could reach 0.25 to 0.75 inches, with a 5 to 10 percent chance of thunderstorms.
There is also a marginal risk of excessive rainfall on Wednesday across Kern County, southern Kings County and western Fresno County.
NWS Reno also expects showers, high-elevation snow and gusty winds on the Nevada side of the Sierra.
How to Stay Safe
Be prepared for slippery roads.
Slow down and use caution while driving.
Chains may be necessary for mountain travel.
Watch your first few steps on stairs, sidewalks and driveways, which may be icy.
Check road conditions with Caltrans QuickMap before you go.
Local forecasts and alerts: NWS Hanford.
For more, see the NWS Winter Weather Safety guide.
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