Winter weather advisories are in force from 4pm Saturday to 4am Sunday from Lake Tahoe near Reno to south of Yosemite National Park, including Mammoth Lakes.
Above 6,500 feet, three to eight inches of snow was forecast, with 14 inches above 8,000 feet. "Plan on slippery road conditions and poor visibility with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour (2.5 to 5 centimeters) in heavier bands," the Reno meteorological agency stated.
Strong winds could destroy trees, blow snow, and make Lake Tahoe boating dangerous with 2–4-foot waves."
A day earlier, New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned holiday travelers at a press conference about a $44 million investment in Suny Polytechnic Institute.
She stated: "We're entering the busiest travel season of the year, and Mother Nature is preparing to hit us with a major snowstorm in New York next Wednesday and Thursday, at peak holiday travel.
According to WIBX, the National Weather Service, state forecasters, and Governor Hochul advised that the extreme system will have "major impacts" on holiday travel.
The governor says she has directed all state agencies—including the National Guard and DOT—to prepare for the "worst-case scenario." Governor Hochul advises against driving on Wednesday due to the high risk.
She recommends drivers rearrange their travel for Tuesday, before the storm hits the area. The governor advised those having Thanksgiving at home to get groceries in advance.