The first of a series of early season storms are expected to reach the Sacramento region Tuesday night, delivering up to a tenth of an inch of rain downtown and several inches of snow at the highest elevations.
While the first weather system will be a bit weak, storms forecast in the coming days are expected to pack a stronger punch, with multiple inches of rain expected from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday in parts of the region.
Today is the last day of mild weather before more wet weather returns to #Norcal by tonight. Rain and mountain snow showers are expected at times through next Tuesday! Please plan ahead for slick roads and possible travel delays. #CAWX #CARain pic.twitter.com/gKNcHNptLF
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) October 19, 2021
“People should be aware that we’re going to get some very wet weather earlier than we’ve seen really since 2016,” said Eric Kurth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “So people should try to prepare earlier than they’ve gotten used to."
Kurth suggested residents prepare by replacing old windshield wipers, cleaning out household gutters, and clearing neighborhood storm drains.
The rainy weather is expected to last through next Tuesday, with a lull Saturday morning. Travel in the mountains could be hazardous at times, with snow levels dropping to 5,550 feet over the weekend and into Monday.
The rain comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday expanded a drought emergency to the entire state, and one day after Sacramento broke a record stretch of 212 days without any measurable rain when one-tenth of an inch was recorded downtown.
While the rain could be good news for the number of wildfires still burning around the state, officials are cautioned that ash and debris flows are possible in areas that have recently burned.
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