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Big storm to blast region
Wind gusts up to 70 mph expected when worst of it hits Saturday afternoon.
By Matt Weiser -
mweiser@sacbee.com
Last Updated 6:32 am PST Friday, February 22, 2008
Story appeared in METRO section, Page B1
Sacramento Valley and Sierra residents should prepare for another high-intensity storm this weekend that will bring strong winds along with heavy rain and snow.
Unlike the Jan. 4 storm, when wind gusts topped 80 mph and caused long power outages, this new storm won't be quite as powerful but it may last longer.
Forecasters say residents should plan for gusts above 50 mph for nearly a 24-hour period starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, with peak winds as high as 70 mph. The Valley could see as much as 2 inches of rain by Sunday night, while Sierra passes could see more than 2 feet of snow.
"The whole weekend's a washout," said Elyssa Lynn, senior meteorologist at the state Department of Water Resources. "Power outages are a possibility for that extended period of time. Learn your lesson from that storm in early January."
The National Weather Service on Thursday issued a high wind watch and a winter storm watch covering nearly the entire weekend.
The weather today should be relatively calm. Residents are urged to use the break to tie down or store loose objects in the yard and around the house, stockpile extra food, candles, blankets and batteries, and prepare for power outages.
The Valley's main rivers should not see flooding problems because reservoirs still have ample storage.
Localized stream and urban flooding are possible depending on how the storm develops. Clearing street drains and gutters will be good preparation.
"It's looking kind of messy," said Cynthia Palmer, a weather service meteorologist in Sacramento. "The precipitation will move in on Saturday and increase in intensity late Saturday afternoon and evening. Overnight will not be pleasant."
A gale warning is in effect along much of the Northern California coast. The shore near San Francisco and Monterey Bay could see swells as great as 25 feet.
The storm is particularly strong, Lynn said, because it stretches all the way across the vast Pacific, drawing moisture and boosting wave intensity as it comes.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District is monitoring the storm, spokeswoman Dace Udris said, with two crews put on short notice for emergencies and more available if conditions worsen.
"If staffing needs to be readjusted as the storm comes in, we'll go ahead and do that," she said.
About the writer:
- Call The Bee's Matt Weiser, (916) 321-1264.
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