The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning to Californians about an approaching storm system that is expected to sweep through the state. On Friday evening (April 26), strong winds are forecasted to hit California, potentially causing widespread power outages.
Meteorologists are cautioning that this western wind is expected to pass through California at speeds of 30-50 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour when it reaches the slopes of the Mojave Desert.
“Destructive gusts will topple trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected,” the NWS warned, stating that “travel will be very difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.”
NWS senior meteorologist Victor Proton told Newsweek that the storm set to hit California, part of a larger system expected to reach the central United States on Saturday, is anticipated to bring severe thunderstorms and tornado threats.
Snowfall is expected in some high-altitude areas of the Sierra Nevada range. However, Proton noted that this type of storm is normal for this time of year.
The Hanford Weather Office announced on X platform (formerly Twitter) that strong winds will pass through the southern Sierra Nevada on Friday afternoon, accompanied by severe thunderstorms.
“Several strong thunderstorms are possible in the Sierra Nevada on Friday afternoon, extending into the foothills and eastern areas of the San Joaquin Valley,” the office posted on X, “In addition to lightning, there is also a risk of strong winds and small hail.”
A post with a map attached indicated that the Hanford area is at the highest risk of thunderstorms, including Shaver Lake, Lake Thomas Edison, Oakhurst, Mariposa, Wawona, Yosemite Valley, Tioga Pass, and Hetch Hetchy.
NWS advised people to stay on lower levels of their homes during the storm and avoid approaching windows, warning to watch out for falling debris and tree branches. If driving is necessary, caution is advised.
As of Thursday morning (April 25), around 7,700 households in California were without power.
AccuWeather meteorologists issued a report warning that from Thursday to Saturday, millions of people in the central United States will face severe, potentially life-threatening thunderstorm risks. The upcoming storm is described as one of the most widespread severe weather events of 2024 so far, with meteorologists cautioning that it “will spawn tornadoes, hail, and destructive gusts in over a dozen states.”