Thunderstorms and Sierra Snow Forecast for Weekend

Rain, hail, and gusty winds expected in Valley and Foothills as snow levels drop in the mountains

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:54pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting a dramatic, snow-covered mountain range under a brooding, cloudy sky. The towering peaks and deep, atmospheric perspective convey the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world.A late-season storm system brings heavy snow and hazardous travel conditions to the Sierra Nevada mountains.Today in Sacramento

A storm system is bringing scattered showers, thunderstorms, and heavy snow to Northern California this weekend. The Valley and Foothills could see frequent lightning, small hail, downpours, and gusty winds, while the Sierra Nevada mountains are expected to receive 1-2 feet of snowfall above 7,000 feet in elevation. Travel will be hazardous, with chain controls already in place on major highways.

Why it matters

This late-season storm system is an unusual weather event for mid-April, and the combination of thunderstorms, heavy snow, and hazardous travel conditions could significantly impact residents and travelers across the region.

The details

The storm is expected to bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to the Valley and Foothills throughout Saturday, with the potential for frequent lightning, small hail, heavy downpours, and gusty winds. Temperatures will be cool, with highs only reaching the upper 50s to mid 60s. On Sunday, the chances for rain will continue, though thunderstorms are unlikely. In the Sierra Nevada mountains, snow levels are expected to drop from around 6,500 feet on Saturday to as low as 4,000 feet by Sunday morning. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated this afternoon through Sunday morning, with totals of 1-2 feet expected above 7,000 feet in elevation. As of 6:00 am on Saturday, chain controls were already in place on portions of major highways like I-80, Highway 50, and State Route 88, and travel is advised to be avoided if possible due to the hazardous conditions.

  • On Saturday, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day.
  • On Sunday, temperatures will be even cooler with more chances for rain, though thunderstorms are unlikely.
  • Snow levels in the Sierra Nevada mountains are expected to drop from around 6,500 feet on Saturday to as low as 4,000 feet by Sunday morning.
  • The heaviest snowfall is anticipated this afternoon through Sunday morning.
  • As of 6:00 am on Saturday, chain controls were already in place on portions of major highways.

The players

Northern California

The region that will be impacted by the storm, including the Valley, Foothills, and Sierra Nevada mountains.

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What’s next

Residents and travelers are advised to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions closely, and to avoid travel if possible due to the hazardous conditions expected throughout the weekend.

The takeaway

This late-season storm system is an unusual and potentially disruptive weather event for Northern California, with the combination of thunderstorms, heavy snow, and hazardous travel conditions posing significant challenges for residents and travelers across the region.