Flood Warning In Effect As Rain, Snow Return With Spring Storm In Northern California

The National Weather Service is tracking a spring storm Monday that is pelting Northern and Central California with heavy rain and thunderstorms. 

A flash flood watch goes into effect starting at 10 a.m. Monday, covering areas from Central Sacramento Valley to Northern Shasta County to Western Plumas County. The storm could flood roadways and cause rising waters on small streams and rivers. There are also warnings for minor mudslides and debris flow near areas recovering from wildfires.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect from 10AM to 9PM on Monday. Be on the look out for potential flooding on area roadways, rises on small creeks and streams, and/or minor mudslides. Debris flows may be possible near burn scars. #cawx pic.twitter.com/y7wUiSXMYi

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) May 17, 2020

Meteorologists are forecasting heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada, which could bring travel problems. The NWS Sacramento Twitter page posted snow pictures from Caltrans traffic cameras at Interstate 80 at Castle Peak and Donner Summit. They tweeted that moderate to heavy snow showers could cause slippery conditions through Tuesday.

I-80 R-2 chain controls: EB/WB Nyack to Donner Lake Interchange pic.twitter.com/hDgRGiVIVB

— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) May 18, 2020

California Highway Patrol officers are reporting chain controls at Interstate 80 at Donner Lake Road to Cisco Grove as well as State Route 88 from Red Lake Creek to Iron Mountain.

NWS meteorologists say a strong upper level low pressure system off the Oregon and California border is behind this stormy weather.