Northern California braced for snow, freezing temperatures and an atmospheric river
A winter storm is expected to bring several feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada and northern California mountains, while an atmospheric river will drench the region with rain
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and flood watches for much of Northern California, including the greater Sacramento area
The storm is expected to hit late Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday, bringing heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada and northern California mountains. The NWS has issued winter storm warnings for elevations above 1,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada, where up to 6 feet of snow is possible. Travel could be difficult or impossible in the mountains, and the NWS is urging people to avoid driving in the area if possible.
The storm will also bring an atmospheric river to Northern California, which is a long, narrow region of the atmosphere that transports moisture from the Pacific Ocean. Atmospheric rivers can produce heavy rain and flooding, and the NWS has issued flood watches for much of the region, including the greater Sacramento area.
The NWS is urging people in Northern California to be prepared for the storm. If you must travel, make sure to check the latest road conditions before you go. If you live in an area that is at risk of flooding, be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Here are some tips to stay safe during the storm:
- Avoid driving if possible.
- If you must drive, slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
- Be aware of the risk of flooding and avoid driving through flooded areas.
- If you live in an area that is at risk of flooding, be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
- Have a plan in place for how you will stay informed about the storm and what you will do if you need to evacuate.
Here are some resources for more information on the storm:
- National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/
- California Department of Transportation: https://www.dot.ca.gov/
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: https://www.fema.gov/
