SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A powerful atmospheric river-fueled storm arrived in northern California Sunday bringing with it, rain, strong winds and heavy snow.
State officials asked drivers to avoid any travel until at least Monday night, anticipating roadway flooding in the valley and treacherous driving conditions in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
In Sacramento, Regional Transit officials have suspended light rail services due to winds, power outages, debris on tracks and damaged guard rail crossings.
Bus bridges are in place on the Blue and Gold lines. Some buses have been delayed. Officials do not know when light rail services may resume.
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In a press conference Saturday morning, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) urged people to prepare for the storm saying that its impacts will be felt across the state.
"These next storms are going to be impactful and dangerous," said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. "This is a very, very dangerous storm. So take care of yourselves (and) your loved ones."
Several state and local agencies have activated operations centers to monitor conditions on rivers, levees, roadways and more.
With wind gusts forecasted as high as 60 miles per hour in the northern California valley, officials at most major electric utilities expected power outages.
At the Sacramento International Airport, Southwest canceled 16 arrivals and nine departures Sunday, according to the airport's website. Despite the cancelations, an airport spokesperson said Sunday that the storm is not causing significant outbound issues.
The strong winds caused trees to fall in Fairfield. The Fairfield Police Department posted photos to Facebook Sunday showing trees toppled onto apartments and a car.
It was a similar scene in Suisun City where fire officials reported no injuries, but several fallen trees with branches landing on cars.
The wind also caused problems in Rio Vista where the roof of a dock blew away, the Rio Vista Fire Department said. Fire crews and staff at the Delta Marina cleared nearby roadways of debris.
Officials in Citrus Heights and Stanislaus County are dealing with power lines and poles down. The lines down have forced the closure of Antelope Road between Poplar and Rosewood in Citrus Heights. A power pole is blocking State Route 132 near Goodwin Road in Stanislaus County, Caltrans District 10 reported.
In the Sierra, chain controls are in effect on most major highways.
Chain controls list:
Interstate 80
- Chains are required for all cars, except those with all-wheel drive and snow-tread tires in both directions from the Nevada state line to Rainbow.
Highway 4
- Chains are required for all cars, except those with all-wheel drive and snow-tread tires in both directions from Mill Creek to Mount Reba Road. Highway 4 is closed at Ebbets Pass.
Highway 50
- Chains are required for all cars, except those with all-wheel drive and snow-tread tires in both directions from Twin Bridges to Meyers.
Highway 88
- Chains are required for all cars, except those with all-wheel drive and snow-tread tires in both directions from Lumber Yard to Kirkwood. Highway 88 is closed at Carson Spur.
Highway 108
- Chains are required for all cars, except those with all-wheel drive and snow-tread tires in both directions from Strawberry to the Snow Park at Sonora Pass. Highway 108 is closed at the Sonora Pass.
Meanwhile, in Yolo County, heavy rain flooded county roads, the West Plainfield Fire Department reported. Sandbags are available for Yolo County residents at West Plainfield Fire Station 30.
Esparto fire officials also closed several roads due to flooding.
Storm damage in Sacramento after Northern California storms in early February 2024
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Watch More: California Atmospheric River: Second major storm to impact state, bring rain, snow and high winds
