A winter storm will keep the Sacramento region cold and wet, with on and off rain in the valley and snow in the Sierra, according to the ABC10 Weather Impact Team.
Forecasts show scattered valley rain Wednesday morning, with snow briefly pausing then returning by lunchtime, and a stronger final push of moisture late Wednesday evening into Thursday, the team reported.
This late push marks the coldest part of the system, with heavy valley rain and heavy Sierra snow expected for much of Thursday, and snow levels dropping towards and below 1000 ft.
Some models have forecast ultra low snow potential Thursday morning, with a dusting possible down near 750 ft, though ABC10 noted it is very unlikely that even a dusting will reach below 500 ft.
The team said mixed precipitation, meaning rain with a few flurries, is not entirely out of the question below 500 ft, but nothing would stick at those lowest elevations.
Interstate 80 and Highway 50 were closed for most of Tuesday because of heavy snowfall, and chain controls will remain in place through the storm, ABC10 advised.
Impacts And Safety Guidance
Sierra roads will continue to be greatly impacted and authorities advise people to avoid travel over the Sierra until the storm passes, with better driving conditions expected on Friday when the snow has stopped.
ABC10 warned there is no safe way to get over the Sierra during this event, and that motorists should expect difficult to impossible driving conditions while chain controls remain.
In the valley, rain will cause localized flooding on some roads, in urban areas, and in small creeks and streams, though widespread flooding is not forecast, the Weather Impact Team said.
Residents were urged to allow extra travel time, bring rain gear, avoid flooded roads if they occur, and to stay updated through ABC10 forecast pages and the ABC10 mobile and ABC10+ streaming apps.
The report named Chief Meteorologist Monica Woods, Brenden Mincheff, and Rob Carlmark as members of the Weather Impact Team providing the forecast and guidance.
