Extreme weather expected at Yosemite, Sequoia national parks during holiday week
If you’re planning to visit a nearby national park during the holidays, it’s particularly important to double-check the weather forecast before hitting the road.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon beginning Tuesday afternoon through Friday afternoon.
A flood watch has also been issued for Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks during the same time frame.
Winter storm expected at Sequoia and Kings Canyon
At Sequoia and Kings Canyon, excessive rainfall and total snow accumulations of three to five feet are possible with wind gusts up to 55 mph, according to a National Parks news release.
Driving during an active storm in the parks is not recommended. Wind gusts may cause dangerous road debris.
The snow impacts will likely cause temporary road and trail closures in the Giant Forest, Grant Grove and Wuksachi areas of the park, according to the release.
The road connecting the two parks will likely close on the Wednesday evening, before the bulk of the expected snowfall on Christmas.
The park advises that those planning to visit Giant Forest or who have reservations at Wuksachi Lodge should take Highway 198 through Three Rivers. Highway 180 will only provide access to Kings Canyon.
To get weather updates for Sequoia and Kings Canyon, visit the park’s website.
Flood watch issued at Yosemite
A flood watch remains in effect through Friday afternoon at Yosemite National Park.
On and off showers and possible thunderstorms are expected throughout the week with wind gusts as high as 25 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
One to two inches of rain are possible each day, with a chance of snow on Friday.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Are tire chains required to enter National Parks in winter?
It will be crucial for visitors to be prepared with tire chains or cables and know how to put them on.
In accordance with California state law, chains or cables are required to be carried in a vehicle when entering a “chain control zone.”
To visit sequoia trees, drivers will be in a chain control zone.
Road conditions and chain restrictions may change at any time throughout the day, and entrance staff will check vehicles for chains as needed, according to the release.
This story was originally published December 23, 2025 at 1:32 PM with the headline "Extreme weather expected at Yosemite, Sequoia national parks during holiday week."