Mountain communities-the National Weather Service office in Hanford Our area is expected to continue seeing winter weather until mid-week. This includes monitoring floods, heavy rain, thunderstorms and snow. An atmospheric river will pass through central California today and into tonight. Severe winter storm impacts are expected in the Sierra Nevada above 6,000 feet due to snow loads and up to three feet of snow. Some severe thunderstorms are possible in Merced and Madera counties this afternoon and into the evening. There is likely a local risk of a brief tornado and/or wind damage.
As always, Sierra News Online will be here to monitor and report on road hazards, closures, power outages, school closures and more.
Today and Tuesday
A strong storm will impact central California today through Tuesday night, bringing periods of heavy rainfall. Most of this rain will fall today and into tonight. The snow level will start today at about 7,000 feet, before dropping to about 6,000 feet tonight.
There is a slight risk of heavy rain in the Sierra Nevada below 6,000 feet, adjacent foothills, and the eastern portion of the San Joaquin Valley until 10 PM PT this evening. Heavy rains may lead to flooding of rivers, streams and low-lying areas. Mudslides and rockslides are possible in steep canyons and hills.
During Wednesday
A flood watch remains in effect for much of Central California at elevations below 6,000 feet until 4 a.m. PT Wednesday morning. The majority of this rain will fall today and into tonight. Excessive runoff may cause mudslides and rockslides in steep canyons and hillsides. Heavy rains may lead to flooding of rivers, streams and low-lying areas.
A low pressure trough will remain off the California coast on Tuesday. Some strong thunderstorms are possible in the San Joaquin Valley, Coastal Range and Sierra Nevada foothills Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening. The trough of low pressure will finally move east across central California on Wednesday. Scattered rain is likely on Wednesday morning, before low atmospheric pressure drops. Rain chances are expected to end Wednesday afternoon.
A winter storm warning remains in effect for the Sierra Nevada above 6,000 feet until 4 a.m. PT Wednesday morning. The majority of this snow will fall today and into tonight. Winds will reach 50 mph on exposed ridgetops and near the summit. Travel should be limited to emergencies only.
Thursday and Friday
The weather is expected to be dry on Thursday and Friday. The next storm system could impact Central California over the coming weekend.
