CALIFORNIA, USA — A significant winter storm arrives Wednesday bringing heavy valley rain and mountain snow. The wind is a big concern in the valley with gusts nearing 60 mph. Officials are warning motorists to "avoid travel until Thursday night" due to severe weather conditions.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, which supports emergency relief.
“California is mobilizing to keep people safe from the impacts of the incoming storm,” Newsom said in a statement. “This state of emergency will allow the state to respond quickly as the storm develops and support local officials in their ongoing response.”
Flooding will continue to be a concern as rivers and streams have not had much time to recede before additional rain arrives.
There are weather watches and warnings in place throughout Northern California.
- A Flood Watch is in place from the coast to the Sierra foothills, covering just about all of Northern California until Friday morning. Rivers will be running high, with creek and stream flooding likely.
- A Flash Flood Watch until Friday morning for the August Complex burn scar, Caldor West burn scar, Dixie West burn scar, River burn scar, and Mosquito burn scar. Debris flow will be possible with these burn scars.
- A Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra until Friday morning. Six to 15 inches of snow are expected above 5,000 feet, with 18 to 36 inches expected for areas above 6,000 feet. Wind gusts of 65 mph will create whiteout conditions. Travel will be challenging.
- A High Wind Warning for the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys through Thursday afternoon. Southerly winds pick up early in the day on Wednesday, with sustained winds up to 35 mph, with gusts as strong as 60 mph. Power outages are expected.
Find more coverage, maps and live updates of the most recent storm below.
Damage and Traffic
Cal Fire and Caltrans crews have cleared debris and accidents caused by the storm throughout the day. Officials are warning motorists to "avoid travel until Thursday night" due to severe weather conditions.
- Highway 50 chain controls: Twin Bridges to Meyers, according to Caltrans.
- Interstate 80 chain control checkpoints: Westbound at Donner Lake Interchange and eastbound at Kingvale, according to Caltrans.
- A tree is down on Highway 50 at Bradshaw and is blocking lanes 2-4. Caltrans is en route to clear the debris.
- Highway 49 near Joeger Road is partially blocked by fallen trees. Cal Fire is on scene clearing the debris.
SMUD reaction, preparation for storm
Sacramento Municipal Utilities District crews are racing against the clock and ongoing storm to repair power to customers after the brutal New Years Eve storm. Read more about how SMUD has been working with residents HERE.
California declares State of Emergency
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide state of emergency as the next storm pushed into California. This declaration allows easier access to emergency relief and resources for affected areas. Read more about what a state of emergency means HERE.
Levee importance and concerns
There were multiple breaches in levees near the Wilton area after Saturday's storm that caused flooding into Highway 99 and multiple bodies to be found by officials. Read more about levees and their prevalence throughout the Sacramento region HERE.
Residents prepare for storm
South Sacramento residents and officials rushed to hardware stores to make repairs and preparations for the upcoming storm that's forecast to have severe winds. Read more about what people are doing to protect their homes HERE.
San Joaquin County tree service companies running in overdrive to clear fallen trees, debris. Some residents have been without power since Saturday's storm. Read more about the damages and efforts to prepare in San Joaquin County HERE.
Sandbags
Counties across Northern California are offering sandbags to residents. Locations are listed HERE.
Maps
Radar map from ABC10.com. Adjust the layers with a filter on the bottom right corner to show rain, snow, wind and current temperatures:
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