SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Another potent storm is headed for California beginning Sunday, prompting the NWS to issue the first Blizzard Warning in 758 days for the Northern Sierra.
Another strong, cold storm system dropping down from the Gulf of Alaska is to thank for the latest impactful weather event to hit California in what has been a winter to remember.
Compared to the midweek storm system, this storm took a more western route, giving the system better access to Pacific moisture.
Although it will be slightly warmer than the last system, snow levels will still drop down to 1,000 feet at times and high temperatures will be 15 to 20 degrees below average for this time of year.
Snowfall rates upwards of 3 inches per hour at times along with gusts of up to 60 mph will make for impossible travel across the Sierra on Monday and Tuesday.
Snow ratios will be around 18:1, meaning the snow will be very light and fluffy and will blow around with the strong winds, producing whiteout conditions in the process.
Before the main event starts Monday morning, a less impactful event is swinging through Northern California on Sunday.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until the Blizzard Warning takes over at 4 a.m. Monday. The blizzard warning goes into effect at 4 a.m. on Monday and lasts until 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Sunday will see another 0.5-1.5 feet of snow added to the already massive Sierra snowpack. Rain will fall in the valley with most areas seeing less than a third of an inch.
Precipitation should lighten in the overnight hours before heavier rain and snow begins on Monday morning. Rain and snow will continue throughout the day.
Monday and Tuesday morning look to be the periods of heaviest rain and snow.
A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Central Valley from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday. Gusts up to 45 mph are expected.
Thunderstorms are also a possibility on Monday, in the afternoon, due to unstable air. Small hail, gusty winds and lightning are all possible with these thunderstorms.
Thunderstorm activity could spread into the mountains, producing heavy snow rates as well.
By Wednesday night the snow will have wrapped up. Valley rain will end sooner than the snow will in the mountains and shower activity will be minimal in the valley on Wednesday.
Areas from 1,000-2,000 feet can expect 1-2 feet of snow and areas above 3,000 feet can expect 3-7 feet. Most valley locations will see 0.5-1.5 inches of rain in total.
Winter Storm 2/26-3/1
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