A winter storm bringing rain, snow and high winds begins today and is expected to last through Tuesday morning. Travel in the Sierra is highly discouraged during the first wave of the storm through Thursday night, as delays, chain controls and road closures are likely, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
The heaviest rain and snowfall is expected today and tomorrow, with snow levels coming down to 2,000 feet Thursday, the NWS website states. One to 3 feet of snow is expected in the Sierra above 4,000 feet. Wind gusts are predicted to be up to 65 mph.
South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and North Shore areas around Lake Tahoe could see more than a foot of snow in the next 48 hours, KCRA Meteorologist Tamara Berg told Insight Host Vicki Gonzalez on Wednesday.
“The plows are going to be out, the sand trucks, the whole nine yards need to be ready to go,” Berg said.
Saturday might be the best window for travel in the Sierra with light snow and rain showers expected before a return to more moderate snow and winds Sunday through Tuesday morning.
“The windows will be there for travel, but listen to your local meteorologist,” Berg said, adding that forecasters like her will provide up-to-date information on best times for travel conditions.
Sacramento region impacts
Thunderstorms are expected today and tomorrow in the Sacramento region, with the potential for small hail and brief, heavy rain, according to the NWS.
Sacramento can expect a half to a full inch of rain from the first wave of this storm, Berg said.
She predicts the second wave of the storm will be lighter. “It’s going to be much weaker and I don’t expect the snow to get as low with that system,” she said.
Sacramento County has activated its weather respite locations at 4000 Branch Center Rd. and 3615 Auburn Blvd. Pets are welcome and meals are served at the Branch Center Road location, according to the county website. Officials recommend calling ahead to check capacity before traveling to the center. Regional transit provides free rides to and from the respite center if you show a flyer.
Miracle March?
“To get a storm this epic in March, it’s a big deal,” Berg said, adding that California’s water supply is currently at 75% of average. The state was at 102% this same time last year, and these storms will be a big help in catching up, she said.
“That’s going to make a huge leap into those numbers,” she told Gonzalez. “If we keep this going through the end of March, I would not be surprised if when we get to that April 1 snow survey, we’re seeing numbers more in line with 100 to 130% of average.”
Berg said there’s a strong possibility that the region will continue to have storm systems coming in through around March 22.
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