SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Caught in between two strong areas of high and low pressure, Northern California is bracing for strong winds for most of Tuesday.
High wind warnings are being issued Tuesday for the central Sierra Nevada and wind advisories will go into effect in the northern Sierra and much of the Central Valley. Beginning shortly after sunrise to sunset Tuesday valley locations will experience strong winds from the north and northwest. These winds will make driving difficult at times especially for higher profile vehicles driving east or west.
Gusts in the valley could approach 40 mph at times with the constant wind speed around 20-30 mph. The wind will be strong enough to move large light objects like sunshades. The wind could also break branches just beginning to grow new Spring leaves.
Take caution where you park your car or take a walk because falling branches can cause damage or injury. This time of early spring some plants and trees are pollinating. On dry windy days, pollen counts tend to spike and if you suffer from allergies Tuesday could be problematic.
The National Weather Service says the conditions developed as a strong upper level disturbance dropped down from the Pacific Northwest into eastern central California and Nevada.
The Sierra will have one zone between 2,000 and 5,000 feet where the wind will only be breezy. The higher elevations will see stronger gusts past 50 mph and in the Central Sierra near Fresno and Yosemite even Stronger. Those locations could see downed trees and larger power outages Tuesday afternoon.
The stronger gusty winds will last until Wednesday morning for the Sierra but subside earlier in the valley around sunset on Tuesday.
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