CALIFORNIA, USA — A series of storms hitting California for the last week of 2022 is bringing dangerous travel conditions and growing flood concerns.
The second and third storms hit Thursday through Saturday with periods of heavy rain and snow. After a short break Sunday, more storms are in store to start 2023.
Thursday will be showery with snow level near 4,000 to 4,500 feet. A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 4 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday for the lower Sierra. Periods of difficult and slow travel during the morning with 3 to 12 inches of snow possible.
Snow level will be rising through the day as the warmer, wetter part of the storm arrives. This will push snow level above the passes to near 8,000 feet by Friday morning.
Excessive rainfall and runoff will cause flood concerns with a Flood Watch in effect for Friday through Saturday. Flooding is possible for rivers, creeks, streams and flood-prone areas. Localized street flooding is also possible.
A Winter Storm Watch will be in effect for Thursday night through Saturday. Heavy snow is possible above 7,000 feet with up to 5 feet of accumulation. Wind gusts will be near 100 mph over ridges with blowing and drifting snow. Tree damage could also occur.
The valley dries during the evening New Year's Eve, but the Sierra will have lingering snow showers into early New Year's Day.
Sunday will be a break in the wet weather with dry weather for most of the day and evening, however more storms are heading toward California for the first week of January, as we continuing to monitor flood concerns as we start 2023.
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