Thunderstorms headed to Sacramento. What is the expected timing this weekend?
The long-awaited thunderstorms are headed to the Sacramento area. The weather system is expected to trigger isolated thunderstorms with “lightning, gusty winds, brief heavy rain and small hail,” according to the National Weather Service.
San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties were under tornado warnings for part of Friday afternoon. But the weather service’s Hanford office said the system moving west “may intensify.”
What should you expect from the forecast this weekend?
Strong to severe storms possible in Sacramento Valley
The National Weather Service Sacramento office says the system is bringing cool air into the valley, with chances of “large hail, accumulating hail, strong winds, moderate rainfall rates and brief weak tornadoes.”
The potential for storms will continue into the early evening Friday. The weather service said the storm system brings with it “chances for strong to potential severe storms” Saturday and into Sunday.
“If you are headed out, keep an eye on the skies and have a way to receive watches, warnings and statements,” the National Weather Service said in its forecast discussion.
Northern portions of the Sacramento Valley may also see gusty winds.
Conditions are expected to turn drier and warmer by next week.
Latest doppler radar loop for Northern California
Winter storm warnings for mountains
A winter storm warning takes effect at 5 p.m. Friday and continues through 11 p.m. Sunday for the West Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada and western Plumas County.
The weather service says as the system moves into the Sierra Nevada, precipitation is expected to change to snow. Snow levels Friday are forecast above 6,000 feet. By Sunday, snow levels are expected to drop to between 4,000 and 5,000 feet.
The heaviest snow rates and lowest snow levels are expected from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, when mountain travel is likely to be most impacted by the storm system.
“Mountain travel is discouraged this weekend,” the National Weather Service said in its forecast discussion.
