Freeze, rain and wind. Here’s what to know for the upcoming weekend
Northern California has seen an array of cold weather over the past week from winter storms to strong winds.
In fact, Amador County officials declared a local emergency in light of the damage created by the current winter storm.
But will the cold weather continue through the weekend? What is in store for next week?
Here’s what to know:
Amador County storm damage proclamation
Amador County Sheriff Gary Redman signed a local emergency proclamation Thursday evening, according to a Facebook post. The Sheriff’s Office said the proclamation helps get additional resources to clear storm damage ahead of next week’s weather.
Amador County Public Works and Caltrans are working to get roads clear and streets passable. The American Red Cross opened an overnight shelter at the Jackson Civic Center through the weekend, according to the Facebook post.
Will snow continue in the Sierra Nevada?
According to the National Weather Service, continued snowfall is expected over the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades foothills.
The majority of precipitation has ended for the valley. However, dangerous travel conditions are anticipated for the Sierra and southern Cascades mountains and foothills through Saturday with moderate to heavy snow fall, per the National Weather Service.
The mountains are expected to see minor snowfall going into next week for areas with elevation above 3,000 feet.
Will the freeze continue throughout the northern Sacramento Valley?
The winter storm warning has been canceled for the northern Sacramento Valley and various affected areas including the Coast Range, Shasta County mountains and Burney Basin, according to the National Weather Service.
However, the winter storm warning remains in effect for the rest of the mountains and foothills until late Friday evening.
Winds will continue to gradually taper off on Friday, the National Weather Service said in its forecast discussion. Dryer weather is predicted for Friday and Saturday with warmer temperatures going into Sunday.
Rain is expected to return to the Central Valley late Monday, according to the weather service’s forecast discussion.
“Slick roads, localized flooding and minor travel delays will be possible with this next storm,” it said.
What about Merced’s weather forecast?
A sub-freeze warning has been issued for the Merced area and is expected to continue until Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service Hanford.
The National Weather Service warns residents of the negative effect of frost and freeze conditions on crops and other sensitive vegetation. Additionally, residents are warned of the possible damage that could be done on unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Cold weather advisory for Yosemite
The National Weather Service of Hanford issued a cold weather advisory for the lower Sierra-South end of the lower Sierra-Yosemite outside the San Joaquin Valley.
A portion of central California is expected to experience low temperatures with isolated locations reaching as low as 5 degrees below zero in areas above 6,000 feet of the Sierra Nevada.
The warning will remain in effect until Saturday morning.
This story was originally published February 20, 2026 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Freeze, rain and wind. Here’s what to know for the upcoming weekend."
