Much of Northern California is forecast to see its first atmospheric river of the season this week, bringing with it rain and cold temperatures which have prompted meteorologists to issue a freeze warning for the Sacramento area.
“We’re looking at a pretty active period coming up the next six or seven days here,” said Nathan Rick, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
Cold weather expected Monday night
A freeze warning is in effect for much of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys from 10 p.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. Temperatures in Sacramento could dip into the low 30s, Rick said.
“We’re looking at a pretty widespread potential for frost development tonight,” he added.
Meteorologists warn that these cold temperatures could be hazardous to people without adequate heating. Frost can also pose a threat to pets and plants, and they suggested bringing the latter two indoors overnight.
Rain to begin Tuesday
Rain is expected to roll into the region starting on Tuesday afternoon, Rick said, and is expected to last through Friday.
“It’s going to be coming in a few different waves,” he said. “The first wave is Tuesday through about Friday morning, and we’re forecasting about one and a half to two inches of precipitation in three and a half days.”
NWS meteorologists issued a flood watch for the central Sacramento Valley between Tuesday and Saturday, and warned against driving across flooding roads.
“We're not expecting widespread major flooding impacts given how dry we've been and this is the first real storm of the season, but it should be enough rain to cause sharp rises on creeks, streams and rivers and issues during our commutes,” said Courtney Carpenter, a meteorologist with the NWS.
Gusty winds expected Wednesday
This storm system is also expected to bring some strong winds to the region, with gusts up to 29 mph forecasted on Wednesday.
“We're also expecting a period of breezy southerly winds on Wednesday with that first wave, but nothing overly strong at this point,” Carpenter said.
Gabby Miller, a media and communications specialist for the City of Sacramento, said the city is monitoring the storm forecast and is ready to respond to issues including downed branches, clogged storm drains and street flooding. She encouraged anyone who sees a downed tree to call 311 to report them.
“When dealing with downed trees, the city’s highest priorities are safety and clearing primary access to roadways,” she said. “Urban Forestry maintains emergency response crews to clear the right-of-way and remove public tree debris from private property. However, tree emergencies involving private trees are the property owner’s responsibility.”
Snow in the Sierra
Heavy snow is also expected for the Sierra this week. Meteorologists warned that those traveling to the mountains this week should be aware that there could be weather-related road and traffic impacts.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for elevations above 3,500 feet. An estimated 8-15 inches of snow is forecast to fall at higher elevations, and 4-8 inches could fall at lower elevations. Wind gusts could also hit up to 45 mph, which “could result in difficult to impossible travel conditions,” NWS forecasters said.
What’s next
Miller said residents can prepare for the storm by keeping leaves and debris away from storm drains securing objects outside the home; calling 311 to report street flooding, clogged storm drains, downed branches and street signals that are out; reporting power outages to SMUD; and calling 911 in case of emergencies.
She also recommended residents sign up for Sacramento Alert, which is a free regional notification system that provides real-time updates directly to phones, emails or landlines.
The next wave of rain is expected to arrive in Sacramento on Saturday and last through at least Sunday, but it’s not immediately clear when Sacramento will see sunny skies again.
“If this system pans out the way it’s looking like, fire weather concerns are probably going to be pretty well-diminished until the spring,” said Rick, the NWS Sacramento meteorologist. “Of course, we can’t rule out anything, but it looks like we’re trending toward a wetter pattern, especially in the next seven days.”
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