SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cold temperatures have moved into Northern California ahead of more major weather changes this weekend and beyond.
A big strong storm is taking shape to bring many impactful weather changes in the days ahead.
Saturday is mostly quiet with clouds building and the earliest snow beginning in far Northern California after sunset.
Overnight rain and snow will move into the area with snow falling around 5,000 feet by Sunday morning. The rain will continue for much of the day on Sunday as more storms stack up behind it.
Monday and Tuesday will see the peak of the storm with heavy valley rain, snow down to 4,000 feet at times and dropping to 2,000 feet by Wednesday morning.
Wind on Monday and Tuesday will be strong with 30-40 mph gusts possible in the valley and 50 mph or stronger in the Sierra. With heavy snow and strong winds travel may be impossible at times in the Sierra especially over the mountain passes and long delays and closures are very possible at any point between Sunday and Wednesday.
Five feet of snow or more is possible over the mountain passes between Sunday and Wednesday and resorts could get more. This will be very beneficial for snowpack, ski resorts and tourism but there will be risks to travel, power outage potential and avalanches due to heavy snow and wind combination.
For Valley locations smaller creeks and streams will rise as well as a risk to burn areas for slides. Between Sunday and Wednesday 2-5" of rain is possible with higher amounts to the North and East side of the valley. Heavy rain will also affect the Bay Area as well.
This system will also move south bringing much needed rain and snow to Southern California as well.
One extra word of caution during the event is wind. Wind will make travel difficult for all elevations but may also increase power outages after days of heavy rain and soft saturated ground.
By the end of this cycle California will continue to have well above average rain, with a solid snow pack and rising levels in currently low reservoirs.
