Coldest storm of the season brings widespread rain, gusty winds, isolated thunderstorms, and substantial mountain snow late tonight through mid week. Major mountain travel impacts Monday through Wednesday, with snow accumulations down to the foothills. Potential for active weather to continue late week with minor to moderate impacts.
Winter Storm Warning for the foothills and mountains from 10 PM Today – 10 PM Wednesday. Wind Advisory for the Sacramento Valley from 10 AM Monday – 10 PM Wednesday.
Significant low elevation snow will lead to difficult travel conditions and icy or snow-covered roads.
Timing:
- Monday: Moderate Impacts
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Major Impacts
- Thursday: Moderate Impacts
- Friday-Saturday: Minor Impacts
Light showers expected this morning, mainly north of I-80
The coldest storm of the season arrives later this afternoon, bringing significant mountain snow and major holiday travel impacts, foothill snow, rounds of beneficial Valley rain, gusty southerly winds, and isolated thunderstorms through mid-week
The heaviest snow is still expected Monday through Tuesday, with major travel impacts and snow rates up to 1-2 inches per hour at times. Total snow accumulations up to 1 ft are possible 2000 to 2500 feet, with multiple feet of snow above 3500 ft.
Minor to moderate impacts from foothill snow are expected above 2000 ft. Although there is still uncertainty in exact snow levels, there is the potential for snow levels to lower down to 1000 ft or lower at times. Lowest snow levels are still expected over the Coastal Range, Shasta County and southern Cascades.
Periods of gusty southerly winds are expected this week. The strongest winds are anticipated on Tuesday, with gusts up to 35-45 mph across portions of the northern/central Sacramento Valley and adjacent northeast foothills.
There’s the potential for isolated thunderstorms today through Tuesday, with the highest chances on Tuesday.
Active weather continues late week into the weekend, with additional minor to moderate impacts from rain and mountain snow