[ad_1]
Heavy rain and Sierra snow are expected across Northern California as an atmospheric river impacts Sacramento through Christmas week, affecting travel and rivers.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Weather conditions forecast for the Sacramento region through Christmas week involve a lot of rain and Sierra snow!
A prolonged atmospheric river event will bring significant weather impacts throughout this week.
This comes as many people plan to hit the roads for holiday travel.
Get ready for a substantial shift in the weather pattern.
When
There are five consecutive days of Weather Impact Alert conditions — Monday, December 22, to Friday, December 26. There are, however, two rounds of storms coming in, without a break in between.
Storm #1 is underway and continues through early Tuesday. Monday will have on-and-off light to moderate showers with a chance of thunderstorms. On and off lighter showers will continue through the first part of Tuesday.
Higher snow levels are causing problems with downstream flooding. Snow levels will be near to slightly above the passes on Monday, then drop to near to slightly below the passes on Tuesday.
This will come as winds pick up Tuesday through Wednesday. Gusts in the valley will be over 40mph. Watching for power and tree concerns.
Storm #2 arrives late Tuesday and continues through Thursday. This storm, while still bringing significant valley rain, will be much snowier in the high country.
Snow levels will be between 5000 and 6000 feet throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas, then dropping to below 5000 feet on Friday.
► Stay up to date with the forecast and weather impact team with the ABC10+ streaming app. Here’s how to download it for free.
Impact
Heavy rain will make travel difficult in the valley with soggy streets and possible clogged storm drains.
Rivers will rise dramatically, but not flood. The Sacramento River in Sacramento is expected to at least double, and possibly nearly triple, in height during this storm cycle, rising from 7 feet to almost 20 feet.
Snow levels will also be changing as colder air arrives late Monday into Tuesday. Earlier bands of rain will keep snow elevations well above the passes during the day with some flurries overnight, so expect a mix of conditions in the Sierra. By late Monday, rain is likely to change over to snow at the passes and get heavier through the week.
This will be a long-duration event with impacts through the holiday week. There is no good day to travel, but if you need to cross I-80 or US-50, go before the snow begins. Just be ready for slow conditions due to the heavy rain.
Weather Impact Resources
► FORECAST DETAILS | Check out our hourly forecast and radar pages
► GET WEATHER ALERTS TO YOUR PHONE | Download the free ABC10 mobile app ► GO DEEPER | Stream in-depth weather forecasts and investigative reports with the free ABC10+ streaming app
► WEATHER IN YOUR EMAIL | Sign up for our daily newsletter
► MEET THE WEATHER IMPACT TEAM | Chief Meteorologist Monica Woods, Brenden Mincheff, Rob Carlmark
Need
Dig out the rain and/or snow gear!
Plan for extra travel time. Monday is still a workday for many people, which could lead to a slow and sloppy morning commute. Roads will be wet all week as rain never completely lets up.
By late Monday or early Tuesday morning, chain controls will be in place in the Sierra. This is one of those storms where Caltrans crews will likely be unable to keep up with the falling snow. Road closures are very possible. Be ready for long delays.
There is no good day to travel, but if you need to cross I-80 or US-50, go before the snow begins.
Stay tuned for the latest weather updates.
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
For more ABC10 news and weather coverage on your time, stream ABC10+ on your TV for free:
► Roku – click here
► Amazon Fire – click here
► Apple TV – click here
GO DEEPER: The ABC10 Weather Impact Team investigates algae and bacterial threats to some of California’s largest natural lakes.
[ad_2]