SACRAMENTO, Calif —
An active start to 2024 continues Sunday as a third storm in seven days strikes Northern California.
Sunday night through Monday morning will be marked by periods of heavy rain and snow. Rain is expected to continue until sunrise Monday.
The heaviest rain is expected around 3 a.m. in the valley but is expected to lighten up by the Monday morning commute.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple advisories as people prepare to close out their holiday weekend with the storm in tow.
Meteorologist Forecast
TONIGHT: Heavy rain. Isolated flooding. Valley lows near 50°. Heavy Sierra snow and lows in the 30s.
TOMORROW: Dry after the morning commute then severe thunderstorms. Highs in the low to middle 60s. Lake Tahoe highs in the 40s with rain and snow. Snow will be heavy at times.
TUESDAY: Rain with highs near 60°. Lake Tahoe highs in the 40s with rain and snow. Snow will be heavy at times.
WEDNESDAY: Showers early then clearing with highs in the low 60s. Lake Tahoe highs in the 40s with a mix of rain and snow then clearing.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny with highs in the low 60s. Lake Tahoe highs in the mid 30s.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny with highs in the middle 60s. Lake Tahoe highs in the 40s.
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny with highs in the middle 60s. Lake Tahoe highs in the 40s.
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 60s. Lake Tahoe highs in the 40s.
For the full breakdown: Sacramento Weather Forecast
Winter Storm Warning
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for parts of the Sierra and is here to stay for a couple days.
According to the National Weather Service, the Winter Storm Warning runs from Sunday afternoon to 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Officials are expecting heavy snow and snow accumulations of one to two feet above 5,500 feet, with three to four feet possible at the highest peaks.
The impacted area includes Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada including Interstate 80 over Donner Pass, Highway 50 over Echo Summit and Highway 88 over Carson Pass.
The storm could make for difficult to impossible travel conditions that coincide with the holiday weekend. People could see snow-covered roads, reduced visibility at times, chain controls and possible road closures.
Flood Watch
A Flood Watch is in effect Sunday afternoon through Wednesday for many parts of Northern California.
According to the National Weather Service, the Valley and Delta areas are expected to see about 1.5 to 3 inches of rain with the foothills potentially getting around 2.5 inches of rain.
People should also be aware of possible roadway flooding and the potential for mudslides or rock slides in the foothills, according to NWS.
The Flood Watch area includes the Carquinez Strait and Delta, Central Sacramento Valley, Motherlode, Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County, Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley, Northern Sacramento Valley, Northern San Joaquin Valley and Southern Sacramento Valley.
Wind Advisory
20 to 30 mph winds with gusts up to 45 mph are expected as a storm hits Northern California.
According to the National Weather Service, the wind advisory is in effect from Sunday afternoon to 4 a.m. Tuesday.
The advisory impacts the Sacramento Valley, Carquinez Strait and Delta, Northern San Joaquin Valley, Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County, Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley, Motherlode, Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada.
The strongest winds are expected Sunday evening and early Monday afternoon.
Extended Forecast
If you need an in-depth explanation on the upcoming storm and tornado risk, Chief Meteorologist Monica Woods breaks down everything you need to know about the storm below.
