Wet, windy storm could soak Sacramento with up to 2 inches of rain Thursday
A storm bringing soaking rain and gusty winds will push into the capital region late Wednesday with the heaviest rainfall coming Thursday, said forecasters at the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
Sacramento and surrounding communities could see as much as 2 inches of rain with this weather system along with southerly wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph or higher, said Idamis Shoemaker, lead meteorologist at the weather service’s Sacramento office.
A widespread wind advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. Thursday for the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, the San Francisco Bay Area including the North Bay wine country, the North Coast and inland counties east of Interstate 5.
Forecasters advise people secure loose objects and outdoor decorations at home; while motorists could face difficult driving conditions on their morning commutes.
Sacramento County Department of Homeless Services is opening a weather respite center 3 p.m. Wednesday at Warren E. Thornton Youth Center, 4000 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, due to the forecast wet and windy weather. The center will remain open until 10 a.m. Friday to up to 85 people ages 18 and over and is staffed by First Step Communities.
Pets, one per single, two per couple, are welcome, but must be in a crate at all times inside the shelter and secured with a leash outside around the site.
The city of Sacramento will also open a respite center at the Outreach and Engagement Center, 3615 Auburn Blvd., from 3 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Sacramento Regional Transit will provide free rides to the Thornton Youth Center and Outreach and Engagement Center shelters starting 3 p.m. Wednesday. Riders can screenshot or print a ride flyer to ride free aboard a Regional Transit bus or light rail train.
In the Sierra Nevada, a winter weather advisory is in effect above 6,500 feet from 1 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday. Snow totals of 3 to 8 inches are expected, with 1 to 2 feet possible at higher peaks south of Highway 50.
Snow levels will start above 8,000 feet Wednesday evening, dropping to 5,500 to 6,500 feet by Thursday afternoon, Shoemaker said. Southwest winds in the mountains could also gust to 50 mph, creating hazardous driving conditions and blowing down tree branches.
Showers will linger in the Sacramento area into Friday before drier conditions take over on Saturday. Shoemaker said the Sacramento area could see a return to wet weather as early as Sunday as a weaker system moves into the region.
.JPG)