Heavy Winter Storms Impact Eastern Sierra
Today, December 27th, Inyo County expects to see snow showers in the earlier part of the day and patchy blowing dust in the afternoon and evening. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph; but in some areas, they could reach speeds of 50 to 60 mph. NOAA Weather expects a few resulting power outages, and warns of tree limbs or other unsecured objects blowing down.
Gusty, downslope winds will make Highway 395 and Highway 95 unsafe for high profile vehicles especially, but all vehicles can be affected. Take extreme caution if traveling Independence south through Olancha, or north of Las Vegas through Indian Springs and Desert Rock-Mercury, where winds are predicted to be strongest.
Mono County, including the cities of Bridgeport, Coleville, and Mammoth Lakes, have a winter storm warning for heavy snow
There is also a high danger of avalanches expected through Tuesday morning, especially in the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4), and the general greater Lake Tahoe area. Heavy snowfall and extremely strong winds are creating a high likelihood for natural or human-triggered avalanches. Traveling or being near any steep slopes is not recommended.
While we’re expected to have a few clear days throughout the week, the winter storm will generally continue as a cold air mass spreads over the region. Temperatures won’t be record breaking, but will be well below normal when compared to the last five years. Snowfall is also expected in much of Inyo and Mono County – much needed in our extreme drought conditions, and a lot of winter fun, but also bringing hazardous conditions and a need for caution when traveling and having fun in the winter outdoors.