Lake Effect Snow through Saturday: A Series of Storms Impact the West

Lake effect snow showers will continue through Saturday downwind of Lakes Erie, Ontario and the eastern portion of Lake Superior. A series of storm systems will continue to impact California and the Pacific Northwest through the weekend and into next week, bringing widespread rainfall, mountain snowfall, and gusty winds. Coastal flooding is expected in northern California. Read More >

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Last Map Update: Sat, Jan 3, 2026 at 6:48:13 pm PST

Watches, Warnings & Advisories

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National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area, CA

National Weather Service San Joaquin Valley, CA

Winter Storm Warning

High Wind Warning

Winter Weather Advisory

Flood Advisory

Coastal Flood Advisory

Small Craft Advisory

Lake Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory

Beach Hazards Statement

Avalanche Watch

Flood Watch

Winter Storm Warning

Sierra Travel Forecast

Wind Hazards

Flood Watch

Avalanche Danger

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Greater Lake Tahoe region and Mono County, in effect until 10 am Monday. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for NE California above 5000 feet, going into effect at 4 PM Saturday until 10 am Monday. Periods of heavy snow will make travel in and across the Sierra very difficult to impossible this weekend. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and wave heights of 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe.

Lingering snow showers will continue to impact travel through Mono County through this afternoon, then a break Friday before a second, colder storm arrives early Saturday morning and continues through at least Sunday. A third storm is on the horizon for early next week but details remain uncertain.

A Wind Advisory is in effect for Surprise Valley from 1 PM Saturday, January 3, until 7 AM Sunday, January 4, 2026. South winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Wind prone areas could see gusts as high as 65 mph. Unsecured objects could be blown away, strong crosswinds are possible, and expect difficult travel for high profile vehicles. Winds will become gusty early Saturday morning, leading to a Lake Wind advisory for Pyramid Lake from 4 AM Saturday, January 3, 2026 through 1 PM Sunday, January 4, 2026. South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph could produce waves of 2 to 4 feet. Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Flood Watch in effect for NE CA, including the Susan and the Middle Fork of the Feather Rivers until 4 PM Monday.

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and Sierra Avalanche Center have issued a watch for the Eastern Sierra in Mono Co thru 7 AM Sunday and the Greater Tahoe region thru 5 AM Sunday. High avalanche danger/heavy snow/strong winds will likely create widespread areas of unstable snow. Do not travel in avalanche terrain