The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued an active weather warning for the coming week, as a series of storms brings moderate to heavy rain, intense mountain snow, and gusty winds to the region. According to their latest Area Forecast Discussion, the first storm of the series has already been making its presence felt with precipitation spreading across the northern mountains and valley areas.
As of earlier today, snow levels were above 8,000 feet, but are expected to drop later in the day with limited travel impacts forecasted for the passes. The Sacramento area is predicted to receive around a quarter of an inch of rain, while areas like the northern Sierra could get hit with 3 to 5 inches of additional rainfall. Despite these amounts, no debris flow impacts are anticipated over burn scars, although mud and rock slides are a concern below 6,500 feet.
Wind advisories remain in place for various parts of the region, including the northern and central Sacramento Valley, where gusts have exceeded 50 mph. The National Weather Service has advised securing outdoor items and watching for potential hazards like downed tree limbs. The second system, expected to roll in by tomorrow through early Wednesday, promises a drop in snow levels and more wintry conditions, especially for mountain areas.
The weather service also has extended warnings for coming days, including a Winter Storm Watch for elevations above 5,500 feet from Monday morning to Wednesday morning, citing major travel impacts expected due to snow-covered and slippery roads. For interior NorCal travelers, the National Weather Service advises checking road and weather conditions before setting out.
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates that active weather will persist, with another storm anticipated after a brief respite mid-week. Snow levels could descend to around 2,300 to 2,500 feet for Shasta County and 3,000 to 4,000 feet for the Sierra from Wednesday through Friday, a situation that could lead to further significant travel disruptions. The National Weather Service suggests preparing for snowy conditions and challenging travel, especially in mountainous areas as gusty winds are also expected to continue.
