Two significant winter storms are headed for the Sacramento region.
The first arrives late Wednesday night with up to two inches of valley precipitation, as well as up to two feet of snow in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. You can expect snow in smaller amounts starting at about 3,500 feet along with strong winds.
“Our first winter storm will arrive late Wednesday night … and continue with widespread impacts, including valley rain and heavy mountain snow through Thursday and into Friday morning,” said Chelsea Peters of 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 homeless residents during the storm.
The Sierra Avalanche Center also issued an avalanche warning Thursday through Friday morning.
“It’s not going to be a fun ride if you’re traveling in the Sierra along any mountain passes,” Peters said.
After a brief break during the day Friday, a second storm is expected Friday night into Sunday, with similar amounts of rain, snow and impact on mountain travel.
Difficult to impossible mountain travel is expected Wednesday night-Friday morning and again Friday night-Sunday due to periods of heavy snow and whiteout conditions at times. Avoid traveling during these periods! #cawx pic.twitter.com/UoiAGV4Jtv
– NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 29, 2022
Peters also said winds will be a big part of both storms.
“Downhill, 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.
In total, this could mean up to four inches of precipitation in the valleys and four feet of snow in the highest elevations of the Sierra. On Tuesday afternoon, the Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Wednesday night into Friday morning.
A winter storm warning has been issued for Wednesday night into Friday morning as a strong winter storm brings heavy mountain and foothill snow. Mountain travel is VERY DESPERATE! Another winter storm will hit #NorCal this weekend. #cawx pic.twitter.com/XXXZWhH4Ty
– NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 29, 2022
Travel in the Sierra from Wednesday night through the weekend is likely to be hazardous and should be avoided.
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