“Severe thunderstorms” are expected to sweep across California, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and mountain snow.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in place for much of California on Thursday, April 9, according to the National Weather Service.
This means severe weather poses an “imminent danger to life and property,” the weather agency said.
In addition, a winter storm watch will be in place for much of the Sierra Nevada starting Friday, April 10.
Here’s what to know as wild weather returns to California:
More rain, wind and scattered thunderstorms are expected to hit California. Sacbee.com Staff
Winter storm watch issued for Sierra Nevada
According to the National Weather Service, the winter storm watch will remain in place from 5 p.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Sunday, April 12.
The weather advisory affects areas across the Sierra Nevada, including the cities of Quincy, Chester and Blue Canyon.
“Mountain travel may be very difficult to impossible, so be sure to plan ahead now!” the National Weather Service said on X, warning of “moderate to heavy snow.”
When will thunderstorms hit California?
Thunderstorms are expected to move across California in waves over the next several days, according to the National Weather Service.
The first system is expected to arrive Thursday, bringing lighter rain and the chance for isolated thunderstorms.
A second, stronger system is expected to follow on Friday.
That system could bring more thunderstorms, along with “lightning, gusty winds, brief heavy rain and small hail,” the weather agency said.
“Light to moderate rain is expected for elevations below 7,000 feet and moderate snowfall for locations above 7,000 feet,” the National Weather Service said.
What happens during a severe thunderstorm?
As of Thursday, parts of Northern California and the Central Valley — including Sacramento, Modesto, Merced and Fresno — were under a severe thunderstorm warning.
A severe thunderstorm is capable of producing hail at least 1 inch in diameter or wind gusts of 58 mph or stronger, according to the National Weather Service.
“Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs and vehicles,” the weather agency said. “Wind this strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees.”
In more extreme cases, storms can produce hail larger than softballs — or 11 to 12 inches in diameter — and winds of more than 100 mph.
Thunderstorms can also bring lightning and even tornadoes.
How much snow will fall across the Sierra Nevada?
According to the National Weather Service, approximately 1 to 2 feet of snow could fall at elevations above 4,500 feet as the storm system hits.
Meanwhile, 3 to 4 feet of snowfall is expected at the highest peaks, with up to 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulating at elevations as low as 4,000 feet.
Wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph, creating travel delays, road closures and “significant reductions in visibilities at times.”
In South Lake Tahoe, snowfall is expected to begin Friday, with wintry conditions continuing through Monday, April 13.
Snow is forecast for Yosemite National Park, starting Saturday.
What’s in the weather forecast for Sacramento?
In Sacramento, there was 30% chance of rain, winds and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast.
The high temperature was expected to near 77 degrees, with the low temperature dropping to around 55 degrees overnight.
Storm chances increase Friday, when there’s an 80% chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures will cool with a high near 65 and the low around 54.
By Saturday, Sacramento could see showers, possible thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 26 mph. The high will be near 60, and the low will be around 48.
On Sunday, Sacramento will see a 90% chance of rain and thunderstorms, with a high near 57 and a low around 45.
Skies are expected to clear by Monday, April 13.
Are thunderstorms forecast for Modesto?
Thunderstorms are expected to reach Modesto after 5 p.m. Thursday, the weather service said in its latest forecast.
The high will be near 79, with a low around 57.
Rain and thunderstorms continue Friday, with a high near 72 and a low around 55.
Saturday’s forecast calls for an 100% chance of thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 24 mph. The high will be near 68, with an overnight low around 50.
On Sunday, rain remains likely with a 90% chance of showers. The high will be near 61, with a low around 47.
Skies are expected to turn “mostly sunny” by Monday, the weather service said.
How long will it rain in Fresno? Merced?
Thunderstorms are forecast across much of the Central Valley, including Merced and Fresno, with rain, wind and lightning.
“Severe thunderstorms” are expected to begin Thursday and continue into the weekend, according to the latest forecasts.
The National Weather Service is forecasting rain and thunderstorms for much of California.
Will San Luis Obispo see thunderstorms? What about Southern California?
The first storm system — which is expected Friday into Saturday — will have only limited impacts along the coast and Southern California, according to the National Weather Service.
Since the system is expected to stay mostly over Northern California, areas along the Central Coast — including San Luis Obispo — will likely see only light showers, with rainfall below a quarter inch.
“The second system for late Saturday into Sunday will be the stronger of the two and with the potential for heavy showers and severe storms,” the weather agency said.
The National Weather Service’s latest forecast for San Luis Obispo called for possible thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday.
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Angela Rodriguez
The Modesto Bee
Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
