Atmospheric River Impacts Northern California

The plume of abundant moisture impacting the Northwest the last several days will focus more on Northern California through Monday bringing heavy rainfall and mountain snow. 

Low pressure will send in copious amounts of moisture to northern California and southern Oregon through Monday causing areas of heavy rain and mountain snow. Cities like San Francisco and Redding in California will have to deal with wet roadways and even some could become flooded. Mudslides could also become an issue for areas north of the Bay area. 

Rain amounts of 1 to 3 inches will be commonplace across northern California into southwestern Oregon through Monday, with local amounts up to 4 to 6 inches likely in the foothills and near mountains due to upslope. This will lead to flooding concerns. Remember to "Turn Around, Don't Drown!", if roadways are flooded or submerged in water. 

Flood Watches are in effect throughout much of California, which includes the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys into Los Angeles, San Diego and the rest of southern California. 

Snow will continue to fall in the Cascades of Washington and Oregon at times through Monday. An additional 1 to 2 feet of snow is possible in the Cascades of Washington, while 5 to 10 inches can occur in the Cascades of Oregon. 

Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the Cascades. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Storm Watches have been issued for the entire Sierra Nevada and the Klamath Mountains. Over a foot of snow is likely for all the Sierra Nevada under watches and warnings above 5500 feet, with 3 to 5 feet likely in the highest elevations.

Be sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest on this changing weather. It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage.