Two significant winter storms are headed toward the Sacramento region.
The first arrives late Wednesday night, with rainfall in the valley of up to two inches, as well as up to two feet of snow at the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. You can expect snow in lesser amounts beginning at about the 3,500 foot level, along with gusty winds.
"Our first winter storm will arrive late Wednesday night … and continue with broad impacts including valley rain and heavy mountain snow through Thursday and even into Friday morning," said Chelsea Peters at the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
Local governments in the Sacramento region have announced plans to open warming centers and distribute motel vouchers in an effort to shelter unhoused residents during the storm.
The Sierra Avalanche Center has also issued an avalanche watch from Thursday through Friday morning.
"It's not going to be a fun travel if you're traveling up in the Sierra along any mountain passes," Peters said.
After a brief break during the day Friday, a second storm is expected Friday evening into Sunday with similar amounts of rain, snow and impacts to mountain travel.
Peters also said winds will be a big part of both storms.
"In the valley, up to 30 to 40 miles per hour, potentially. And up in the mountains, gusts up to 45 to even 65 miles per hour," she said.
All told, this could mean up to four inches of rainfall in the valleys and four feet of snow at the highest elevations of the Sierra. On Tuesday afternoon, the Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Wednesday night through Friday morning.
Travel in the Sierra from Wednesday night through the weekend is likely to be hazardous and should be avoided.
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