SACRAMENTO, Calif —
A brief break in the wet weather was expected on Sunday as the first storm exits the region and another one nears the California coast.
The first system brought 0.5-1.5” in the valley in the last 48 hours. As for snow totals, due to this being a warmer storm, snow was relegated to elevations mainly above 6,000 feet.
Although isolated showers are possible throughout the day on Sunday, widespread precipitation isn’t expected to resume until later.
Rain should move into the valley by 7 p.m., picking up in intensity throughout the night with the heaviest rates expected between midnight and 5 a.m.
A Flood Watch is in effect across the Sacramento Valley beginning Sunday afternoon but don't expect widespread flooding from this event.
Showers will follow behind the main band of precipitation as it heads east but periods of heavy snow will continue in the Sierra on Monday.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect across the Sierra due to more heavy snow and dangerous Sierra travel conditions.
Winds will be gusty throughout Sunday and Monday. Gusts of 25-35 mph are expected in the valley while the Sierra will see gusts upwards of 50 mph.
Rain will eventually taper off but there will be potential for thunderstorms on Monday afternoon. By Monday night, the valley will have received another 1-2" of rain, and an additional 6-18" of snow is expected above 6,500 feet with up to 3 feet possible at the highest peaks.
Another storm, far weaker than the current systems, is expected on Wednesday in Northern California but after that, there are no storms on the horizon through the end of January.
However, a transition back towards wetter conditions seems likely in the first week of February.
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