SACRAMENTO, Calif. — UPDATE: Friday, April 23 9:30 p.m.
The latest forecast shows rain, snow and gusty winds are expected this weekend. Saturday still looks to be a transitional day with increasing clouds and cooler temps. The rain will arrive in earnest Sunday morning along with gusty winds and a chance of thunderstorms.
The latest weather models are showing total rainfall accumulation in the Sacramento area close to .35". Foothill locations could see well over .50" of rainfall in some of the hardest-hit spots.
There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 11 pm Saturday night until 11 am Monday. Snow showers are expected to fall above 4500 FT in elevation. Most locations will receive 8-15" of snow. Some of the hardest-hit spots could see up to 24" of snowfall when it's all said and done.
During this timeframe, CalTrans asks people to stay off the roadways. Chain controls and road closures are possible.
Winds will be stronger over the weekend, especially in the Sierra where some of the highest gusts will top off near 45 mph. This could lead to blowing snow which will be heavy at times during the day on Sunday. There's also a chance for Thundersnow in the Sierra.
What is Thundersnow?
It's essentially snow falling within a thunderstorm. Thundersnow is a rare occurrence in winter storms. Snowfall rates within these storms can be quite significant. Also, the sound of thunder within a winter storm can be muffled considerably due to the snow.
UPDATE: Thursday, April 22 7:30 p.m.
Monica Woods went live on Facebook to give an update on the significant spring storms moving in from the Pacific.
Don't see the video above? Click here to watch on Facebook.
UPDATE: Thursday, April 22 5:30 p.m.
A significant spring storm is moving in from the Pacific. The latest timing shows widespread rain and beginning overnight Saturday through Sunday.
Rain totals in the valley will range from 0.15-1.00 inch. The Sierra foothills could see 1.00-2.00 inches of rain. Slick roads are possible especially since there may be a build of oil on the roads with the recent dry stretch.
Dangerous mountain travel will develop through Saturday evening with chain controls and delays likely.
A Winter Storm Watch is posted for the Sierra from Saturday night through Monday morning above 4,000 feet. Total snow will be close to a foot at the higher Sierra elevations. Snow levels will mainly stay near 4,500-5,000 feet but lower in some areas to near 3,500 feet Monday morning.
ORIGINAL:
Typically, there is a mix of late season rain and snow, and more convective showers and snow in the Sierra as warmer temperatures mix with late colder air from the north.
This upcoming weekend could be one of our last traditional storms of the season. An area of low pressure will develop this week and on Saturday make a move to Northern California. Computer models take the system directly into the state, which brings a good chance for cooler weather, clouds and chance for rain and snow.
Any extended forecast will change day to day, sometimes drastically, but as of Monday, there is a decent chance we will get some rain by Sunday. Late season storms are not rare, but they always appear to be since most people have moved on to spring activities, assuming the rainy season is over. Typically we get measurable rain well into May, but not nearly as much as the prime part of the season from December to March.
This system has the potential for a tenth to a quarter inch of rain from Sunday to Monday and at least a few inches of snow, down to about 6,500 feet above elevation. Any travel on Sunday or Monday in the Sierra needs to track the forecast and changes ahead of time.
This forecast may change significantly, but any late season rain or snow on a weekend deserves an initial long range look for planning.
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