Storm Update 11 p.m.
A Flood Warning is in effect for the Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar until early Friday. The current level reached flood stage late Wednesday evening.
The morning commute will be slick with occasional heavy rain falling early Thursday.
Snow level will stay above the pass early Thursday then lower throughout the day. Expect changing conditions through the afternoon with snow accumulations from 6-20 inches through early Friday.
A Flood Watch is in effect for the Sierra until early Friday due to snowmelt and possible road flooding. Travel will be difficult Thursday.
Storm Update 7 p.m.
A Tornado Warning has expired for southwestern Yuba County. The warning was issued at 6:31 p.m. by the National Weather Service and expired at 7 p.m. There are reports of damage in the area, according to Yuba County Office of Emergency Services, and the weather system is heading northeast of Olivehurst.
Storm Update 5:15 p.m.
A Flood Watch is in effect for the Sierra due to heavy rain and more expected through early Friday. Snowmelt may result in road and street flooding.
In the Valley, Discovery Park will be closed starting Friday. Sacramento Regional Parks says this is due to expected higher flows down the Sacramento River.
Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions in the Sierra and near any waterways through early Saturday.
Storm Update 2:20 p.m.
Major travel impacts due to heavy snow. The National Weather Service is advising against travel in the Sierra late Friday into Saturday. All travelers should be through the passes by 4 P.M. Friday. Road closures and whiteout conditions likely.
Update 1:30 p.m.
Thunderstorms possible this afternoon through late evening. Any thunderstorms that do develop have the potential to produce heavy rainfall, small-sized hail, gusty winds and isolated funnel clouds. The threat for thunderstorms, however, will diminish tonight.
- Wednesday — Widespread rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation expected to arrive tonight. Thunderstorms are possible until 7 p.m. Snow levels between 7,000 — 8,000 ft. Round two of the storm brings in colder air Wednesday night and transitions us from a widespread rain event to a widespread rain and snow event during the day Thursday.
- Thursday — More rainfall expected in the morning. Scattered showers and possible thunderstorms in the forecast for the afternoon and evening hours. Snow levels lowering throughout the day from 6,500 ft – 3,000 ft.
- Friday — A mix of sun and clouds with a slight chance of showers. There’s a break in between snow systems. The threat for more snow showers pick-up again late Friday evening.
Colder air arrives later tonight and will bring down snow levels during the day Thursday – Friday.
There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 5 p.m. Wednesday — 5 a.m. Friday above 7,000 ft. There is a Winter Storm Watch in effect from late tonight — Thursday evening above 6,500 feet.
Update noon:
Because of rain and rising water along Steelhead Creek, Sacramento Fire Boat and Rescue crews are warning homeless people in the area their camps will be under water in the next 48 hours. They're urging campers to move to higher ground.
Update 9:30 a.m.:
Today will be mostly rain, even for the mountains, then afternoon thunderstorms. Tomorrow is prime time for Sierra snow and road issues related to that, as well as the heaviest rain for the Valley.
Friday we start to see things die down, but Sierra snow lingers and drops to about 4,000 ft.
Saturday we have to add rain chances for the Valley. This is just the beginning of this rainy cycle, but if you want true sunny and warm spring weather, the 70's arrive next week with dry weather.
Storm Highlights:
- Rain is moving through the area, with a chance of thunderstorms Wednesday & Thursday.
- The heaviest rain will move in by Thursday morning.
- Colder air will slowly move in on Thursday.
- Heaviest snow late Wednesday through Thursday evening.
- Wet weather is in the forecast for parts of the weekend.
Rain totals:
- Valley: 1-3 inches
- Foothills/Sierra: 2-6 inches
Snow levels:
- Wednesday: around 8000'
- Thursday: starting at 7800' dropping to 4500'
- Friday: around 4000'
- Saturday: 3000' - 3500'
- Sunday: 3000' - 4000'
Potential snow totals:
- Above 7500': 2 - 3 feet
- Sierra Crest: up to 4 feet
Avalanche Watch:
- Backcountry avalanche watch 5 p.m. Wednesday to 7 p.m. Friday.
- Areas include greater Lake Tahoe area, the Sierra between Yuba Pass on the north and Ebbetts Pass on the south.
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