Widespread moderate to heavy precipitation and isolated thunderstorms through the holiday week. Flooding expected in susceptible urban and low-lying areas, including small streams and creeks. Major holiday travel impacts over the passes from the combination of heavy mountain snow and strong winds. Strong southerly winds Wednesday and Thursday. Drier conditions return this weekend.
Monday-Tuesday: Moderate to heavy rain, high-elevation mountain snow (above 7000 ft), and gusty southerly winds are expected. There will be two brief breaks in precipitation: one this morning and another late Tuesday morning, before the next round of precip arrives. Winds will also decrease briefly until Tuesday morning.
Wednesday-Friday: Heaviest rain and snow of the week, with the highest impact days being Wednesday and Thursday. Highest rainfall totals forecasted along the Sierra and Shasta County mountains and in the northern Sacramento Valley.
Snow levels lowering to 7,000 to 7,500 feet today and Tuesday, lowering further to 4500 to 5500 feet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Heaviest snow rates expected Wednesday – Friday morning. Dangerous travel conditions and possible road closures during the holiday travel period. Low visibility due to a combination of wind and heavy snow.
Strong southerly winds Wednesday & Thursday, with the strongest winds on Thursday. Winds may cause downed trees, tree limbs and weakened trees and localized power outages.
Next weekend: Drier conditions with lingering light, minor impact precipitation on Saturday over the mountains.