Flood watches and a winter storm warning have been issued up in the Sierra as the second of many atmospheric river storms is expected to make landfall in Northern California on Monday.
The storm is more powerful than the one that moved across the area on Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. On Thursday, the area is predicted to experience the third of several atmospheric river storms.
Flood Watch For Bay Area
In the Bay Area, Monday afternoon will see the development of showers in the North Bay, which will intensify and move southward by the evening. Rainfall is predicted to be widespread on Tuesday, with the Santa Cruz Mountains seeing the largest accumulations.
The most recent storm is expected to bring 2-4 inches of extra rain to the North Bay and 1-3 inches to areas south of the Bay Bridge, according to forecasters. In the meantime, three to five inches may be seen in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The Bay Area and Central Coast are under a flood watch from 4 PM on Monday to 4 AM on Wednesday. You should keep an eye on upcoming forecasts and stay vigilant for any potential flood warnings or advisories.#DECu266fFQ on CAwxpic.twitter.com
From 4 p.m. Monday through 4 a.m. Wednesday, the weather service has issued a flood watch for the Central Coast and all nine Bay Area counties.
Flood, Wind Watches For Central Valley
In the meanwhile, rain is expected to stay north of Interstate 80 Monday morning and move south by the afternoon, according to forecasters from the meteorological service’s Sacramento office in the Central Valley. Monday night brings heavier rain, which is expected to last until Tuesday night.
It is anticipated that the valley will receive 1-3 inches of rain, the foothills of the Sierra will receive 3-8 inches, and the mountains below 5,500 feet will receive 5-10 inches. From 4 p.m. on Monday to 4 a.m. on Wednesday, areas below 3,500 feet are under a flood watch.
In addition to the rain, a wind advisory is still in force for a large portion of the northern San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento Valley on Monday. Expect south winds of 15–25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
Tuesday at 4 p.m. is when the wind advisory ends.
Sierra Winter Storm Warning
From 1 p.m. on Monday until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, a Winter Storm Warning is in force for the Northern Sierra’s Western Slope over 5,500 feet. Winds of up to 70 mph are predicted, coupled with one to three feet of snow, with up to four feet forecast over the peaks.
Additionally, from 1 p.m. on Monday until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, the Greater Lake Tahoe Area is under a Winter Storm Warning. In regions above 7,000 feet in elevation, snow accumulations are predicted to be between one and three feet.
For mountains higher than 5,500 feet, a Winter Storm Warning is in force Monday through Wednesday. It is discouraged to travel to the mountains during this period as it will be difficult or impossible!Twitter: https://t.co/7FMe5twj20:https://t.co/6jnhwJwK5apic.twitter.com/b6BAeXZgIH #CAwx
Snow levels will begin Monday morning at 7,500 feet and drop to 6,000 to 7,000 feet by Monday night, according to forecasters. By Tuesday evening, snow levels should drop to 4,000 to 5,000 feet, and on Wednesday, they should drop to 3,000 to 3,500 feet.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.