Storms headed to Northern California. Here’s how much rain is expected in Sacramento

Weather forecasters are predicting several inches of rain in Sacramento and other areas in Northern California this week, as a series of storms are expected to hit the region, in addition to several feet of snow over the Sierra Nevada.

The National Weather Service’s Sacramento office said Sunday that after rainstorms move in late Monday, Sacramento could see 3 to 4 inches of rain between Tuesday and Saturday.

More stormy weather is possible through to the end of the year, and snow on mountain passes could pose a hazard to holiday travel plans.

Grass Valley is expected to receive 7.5 to 10 inches of rain next week and Stockton up to 3 inches.

Chico and Redding are both forecast to receive 3 to 4 inches of rain in the same time span; Ukiah and Santa Rosa could see the same amount. South Lake Tahoe is expected to receive up to 7.5 inches.

Weather service forecasters predict Valley showers and light mountain snow to set in Tuesday, with snow levels between 3,500 feet and 4,500 feet, rising to 5,500 to 6,500 feet Wednesday and dropping to 4,000 to 5,000 on Thursday.

The worst travel impacts are expected Wednesday and Thursday, although Tuesday’s travel will be moderately impacted by light rain and snow, according to meteorologists.

Early forecasts suggest 2 to 6 feet of snowfall is possible over much of the Sierra Nevada throughout the week.

“Holiday travel disruptions are likely with the potential for chain controls, significant travel delays and possible road closures,” meteorologists wrote in a Sunday forecast discussion. “There could even be potentially downed tree branches in the Valley and foothills.”

At Donner Pass along Interstate 80, weather forecasters predict between 6.6 and 8.3 feet of snow between Tuesday and Saturday. Echo Summit along Highway 50 could see between 5 and 6.6 feet of snow in the same time.

Snow is expected to be lighter along Interstate 5 at Mount Shasta. Forecasters said that 2 to 3 feet of snow could fall there over the week. Lassen Peak east of Redding will see the most snowfall, potentially more than 8.3 feet.

This story was originally published December 19, 2021 at 10:40 AM.