Weather Impact Alert Day | Heavy rain, some flooding concerns, strong wind gusts

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Weather conditions forecast for the Sacramento region on Thursday call for a significant shift in the weather pattern as an atmospheric river rolls through California, bringing an end to the recent dry, mild weather.

Plan for impacts from gusty winds, as well as travel delays with periods of moderate to heavy rain and changing snow levels.

The storm starts warm and wet, then turns colder with some instability and a chance of thunderstorms.

Moderate to heavy rain starts off our Thursday, but waves of on-and-off bands of moderate rain continue through the day. This means the morning and evening commutes will be impacted. Even midday travel will encounter bands of moderate to heavy rain.

Gusty winds will accompany the first big band of rain early Thursday. This will make for an especially difficult morning commute, with rain and poor visibility.

Snow levels remain high throughout the day until colder air pushes in by Thursday evening, bringing more instability and a chance of overnight thunderstorms into early Friday.

The mountain passes will largely see rain all Thursday, with snow level starting near 9000 feet and falling to near 7000 feet by early Friday.

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The first impact will be gusty winds by early Thursday. Gusts over 35 mph are possible in the valley. A Wind Advisory is in effect through 1 p.m. Thursday. These winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could come down and a few power outages are possible. The winds will also make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Strongest winds are expected on Thursday morning.

Rain totals will climb quickly with the big band of rain pushing through early Thursday and additional rain through the day. Outdoor activities and travel will be impacted. By the evening, the valley will see 1-2″ with even more for the higher elevations.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the West Slopes of the Sierra above 700 feet from 4 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Friday. Snow accumulations will be 3-8 inches above 7000 feet, with 12-18 inches at the highest peaks south of Highway 50. Wind gusts to 50mph.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Central Sierra above 7500 feet, including Mammoth Lakes, from 1 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Friday above 9000 feet. The Sierra Crest could see 9-12 inches of new snow. Wind gusts to 70mph.

Snow and rain will likely cause big travel delays. For the mountains, this includes chain controls and possible periods of road closures.

There is also some instability within this storm, with possible thunderstorms overnight Thursday to early Friday, especially through the foothills.

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Plan for wet roads, possible closures, ponding near off-ramps, and underpasses on Thursday.

Try to optimize periods of time when power is on by charging phones, devices, and vehicles.

Travel in the Sierra needs to be monitored for changing conditions. Snow levels start near 9000 feet, well above the passes.  Chain controls and delays are possible, as well as the closure of roads for safety at times. 

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GO DEEPER:  The ABC10 Weather Impact Team investigates algae and bacterial threats to some of California’s largest natural lakes.