A potent cold front from the Gulf of Alaska pushed into drought-stricken California on Tuesday, and forecasters predicted it would bring widespread rain, mountain snow, gusty winds, and unusually low temperatures in much of the state.

With the calendar still saying autumn, winter storm warnings went into effect in much of the Sierra Nevada and forecasters advised against mountain travel due to expected deteriorating conditions.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” the National Weather Service said.

The California Highway Patrol office at Truckee, in the Sierra north of Lake Tahoe, said drivers should expect chain controls and delays due to the first significant snow of the season.

Tioga Road Closes

Ebbetts, Sonora, and Monitor passes were closed in anticipation of the storm, Caltrans said. Tioga Road through Yosemite National Park also was temporarily closed, park officials said. Call (209) 372-0200 (then press 1, 1) to check the road’s status.

The weather service said the heaviest precipitation was expected in Northern California, with lighter totals across Southern California.

“While much needed, this precipitation will not make much of a dent in the extreme to exceptional drought that continues to plague much of California,” forecasters wrote.

Tioga Road (the continuation of Highway 120 through the park) will temporarily close today, October 31, at 6 pm, due to a forecast of snow. Tire chains may be required on open roads (https://t.co/9eyjSteBL3). Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check current road conditions. pic.twitter.com/uuykSdyOhT

— Yosemite National Park (@YosemiteNPS) October 31, 2022