Cold weather system brings widespread rain to Northern California, snow in the foothills
By Brandon Downs
The coldest system of the season is bringing heavy rain to Northern California and snow to higher elevations, with Sierra foothill communities also bracing for a chill.
The Sacramento Valley could see 2-3 inches of rain, whereas areas in the foothills could get up to four inches of rain by Wednesday. The event arrived on Sunday, with it becoming widespread Sunday evening and continuing until Wednesday.
In the Bay Area, heavy rain began around noon Sunday in San Francisco and the North Bay, and by the evening, most of the region was experiencing heavy rain and thunder. The severe weather conditions continued through Monday evening. Due to the heavy rain, there is a coastal flood advisory across the San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay shorelines through Tuesday.
“The combination of high astronomical tides (spring tides) and storm surge will combine to bring minor high tide flooding of low-lying areas,” the NWS said.
With the rain comes southerly winds, which can produce gusts up to 50 mph. A wind advisory goes into effect Monday morning until Wednesday night.
The big story of this storm is its impact on the mountains, as heavy snow is expected and snow levels could drop to 1,500 feet in the Sierra foothills as early as Tuesday. There is even a chance for snow levels to drop to 1,000 feet overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
A winter storm warning is in effect for elevations at or above 2,000 feet, continuing until 10 p.m. Thursday.
Chain controls were on and off Monday along Interstate 80 from east of Baxter in Placer County to Truckee, and on Highway 50 from Twin Bridges to Meyers.
Around noon Monday, Caltrans announced that it was holding both directions of traffic on I-80 from Colfax to the Nevada state line due to spinouts, but traffic began moving again by mid-afternoon. Increased snow continued causing spinouts and closures well into the evening.
People are advised against mountain travel, as drivers can expect snow-covered roads, travel delays, more chain controls or possible road closures.
By Wednesday, Donner Pass could get up to 7 feet of snow, Blue Canyon could get 3-6 feet, and Colfax could even see an inch to 3 inches of snow. A thunderstorm is also possible at higher elevations.
Paired with the strong winds, the mountain and some foothills areas could experience low visibility, with travel expected to be delayed, roads impassible and chain controls.
The storm has officials reminding people to never drive through flooded roadways. They say 12 inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
The storm track remains active, with additional systems possible late week and into the following weekend. Several additional feet of snow are possible through the end of next week, with rounds of low-elevation snow possible.
