Winter Storm Watch Issued as 2 Feet of Snow, 90 mph Winds Loom
Spring is on hold in several parts of the United States this week as the Northeast deals with a dramatic cooldown with temperatures dropping below freezing and the Pacific coast preparing for heavy snowfall.
The National Weather Service issued a series of freeze warnings across the Midwest and Northeast as temperatures dramatically drop from the high 80's last week to below freezing low temperatures this week.
The Pacific, though, including California and Nevada, will be dealing with something a bit more treacherous.
California, Nevada Bracing for 2 Feet of Snow
The National Weather Service also issued winter storm watches for both California and Nevada as the Sierra Mountain range prepares for up to two feet of snow and dangerous winds.
"An approaching deep upper-level low and frontal system over the Pacific will bring increasing precipitation chances to the West Coast over the next couple of days," the National Weather Service said. "Some light showers will be possible today for northern California before more widespread, moderate to locally heavy rainfall moves in to northern/central California on Monday."
"Coverage will further expand Tuesday including into the Pacific Northwest, southern California, and portions of the Great Basin. Isolated flooding will be possible along the northern/central coastal ranges of California as well as the Sierra. Heavy high elevation snow is also expected for the Sierra on Tuesday."
The Reno, NV office of the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for the following locations: Greater Lake Tahoe area, including the cities of Markleeville, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Tahoe City, South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, and Truckee.
Snow accumulations in the region are expected to reach four to 10 inches above 6,500 feet with 12 to 18 inches along highest mountain peaks. One to four inches of snow possible at lake level, especially on the western shores with wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph across lower elevations, including Lake Tahoe where wave heights reach one to three feet. Ridgetop winds are expected to gust up to 90 mph at times.
The Sacramento office of the National Weather Service, meanwhile, announced a winter storm watch for Soda Springs, Kennedy Meadow, Stirling City, Rattlesnake Mountain, Black Springs, Manzanita Lake, Lake Alpine, Big Bend, Kit Carson, Bear Valley, Mill Creek, Bucks Lake, Kirkwood Meadows, Twin Bridges, Cisco, Kingvale, American House, Kirkwood Ski Area, Tamarack, Carson Pass, Long Barn, Donner Peak, Butte Meadows, Upper Blue Lake, Dardanelle, Lovelock, Meadow Lake, and Kirkwood.
The region is expected to be hit with heavy snowfall with total snow accumulations of up to 12 to 18 inches, with up to two feet at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to two inches possible down to 4,500 feet, while southwest winds could gust as high as 50 mph.
Related: Winter Storm Watch Issued as 3 Feet of Snow, Freezing Temperatures Approach
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 10:00 PM.