The National Weather Service is warning residents of Northern California, the Sierras and Western Nevada to prepare for a weekend of heavy precipitation with copious rain on the valley floors and up to 14 inches of snow falling above 5,000 feet.
According to the weather agency a very moist Pineapple Express flow of air from the Hawaiian Islands will impact California through Sunday, likely bringing enough precipitation to make a noticeable dent in the state’s dire drought conditions.
Unfortunately the NWS also explains that the exceptionally dry and hard soils caused by California’s driest year in its history are forcing the heavy rains to run off faster than usual, reducing the amount of moisture that can soak into the soil.
How Much Rain?
“Some locations,” says the report from the weather experts, “may see more rain in a four-day period than they have had during the previous eight months.”
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center is calling for most of Northern California to receive more than 2” of precipitation through Sunday, with many higher elevation areas expected to get 4 – 6”. Up to three feet of snow is predicted to fall in the Sierra Mountains, though it appears much of the precipitation will fall as rain, reducing the benefit of the moisture during the coming summer months.
A Winter Storm Warning above 5000 feet is in effect from noon today to noon on Saturday.
Snow will begin late this afternoon and continue through tonight. Snow will change to rain as snow levels rise with snow confined to areas above 7000 feet by Saturday evening.
6 to 14 inches of the white stuff is expected above 5000 feet, west of Highway 395. East of Highway 395 forecasters expect 3 to 6 inches above 5000 feet with up to 2 inches below 5000 feet.
Gusty southwest winds will blow from 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Gusts up to 55 mph are expected this afternoon along Highway 395 between Susanville and Hallelujah Junction.
Snow levels wil start out near the valley floors this afternoon and then rise to 7000 feet by Saturday evening.
Driving will be hazardous with travel delays due to heavy snow and whiteout conditions over Yuba Pass and Fredonyer Pass. Motorists may need to consider alternate routes or delay travel until conditions improve.
The NWS reminds motorists that conditions can deteriorate rapidly during winter storms… slow down and allow extra time when traveling. Carry tire chains, food, water, blankets and a flashlight in your car in case of an emergency.
For more information you can click here for current conditions at LassenWeatherNetwork.com.
