This morning starts off calm in Sacramento, with mostly clear skies in the low 50s after some early fog. That quiet stretch will not last long. A strong Pacific storm is set to roll in late Sunday and hang around through midweek, bringing a soggy mix of valley rain, gusty south winds and heavy Sierra snow that could turn mountain travel into a serious ordeal. Local officials are already staging shelters and urging anyone eyeing a holiday week trip into the hills to think twice.
Rain Arrives Sunday, With A Sloppy Commute To Follow
Rain becomes likely after about 8 AM today, with temperatures peaking near 62°F before sliding back into the upper 50s later in the day. South-southeast winds around 6 to 13 mph, with gusts up to roughly 22 mph, will add a chilly edge and may slow the drive home for anyone out on the roads. Forecasters expect about a quarter to a half inch of rain on Sunday, then steadier, more persistent rain late Sunday night into Monday. By the time the system moves on in the middle of the week, multiple inches of rain are possible across the valley. These projections come from the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
Winter Storm Warning And Hazardous Sierra Snow
A Winter Storm Warning is posted for the Sierra and nearby foothills from 10 PM tonight, through 10 PM Wednesday, with major impacts to mountain travel expected. Forecasts call for roughly 1 foot of snow around 2,000 to 2,500 feet, 1 to 2 feet at 2,500 to 3,500 feet and 4 to 8 feet at the highest elevations. Snow levels are expected to drop toward 1,500 to 2,500 feet by Tuesday into Wednesday. Heavy snowfall combined with strong winds will likely create very difficult or even impossible driving conditions, and chain controls and road closures are on the table for many major passes. Anyone who had a mountain getaway circled on the calendar this week is being urged to reconsider plans and to carry chains, warm layers and basic emergency supplies if travel is unavoidable.
Wind Advisory, Local Impacts And Where To Get Help
The Sacramento Valley is also under a Wind Advisory from 10 AM Monday through 10 PM Wednesday. Valley gusts are expected to reach around 35 to 45 mph, with even stronger gusts along ridges. Those winds can snap tree limbs, send loose items flying and trigger isolated power outages, so residents are being asked to tie down patio furniture and use extra caution if driving high-profile vehicles. The city and county have opened walk-in warming and respite sites for people without stable housing, offering a safer place to ride out the storm; for specific locations and hours, see this rundown of local storm shelters reported by Hoodline.
Anyone with travel on the calendar this week is being advised to wrap up mountain trips before Sunday night or hold off until conditions improve later in the week. Check road conditions and chain requirements before heading out, keep phones charged and budget extra time for slower valley commutes that will be hampered by steady rain. Stay tuned to local alerts and the National Weather Service for updated warnings and any shifts in timing or expected impacts as the storm evolves.
