Story: US heavy thunderstorm brings havoc; 04-01-2023;
High Wind Warning: More flooding expected as heavy rain hits Northern California, weather watches and warnings are in place.
• Heavy snow fall, thunderstorm, heavy winds, floods brings havoc across the United States.
• Dozens had to be rescued after heavy rain brought by an atmospheric river flooded roads in Northern California, the wind is a big concern in the valley with gusts nearing 60 mph.
• At least 2 people have died, dozens rescued and hundreds evacuated. More severe weather is forecast for the coming days.
• A major storm and atmospheric river has arrived into California and it will be impectful on Thursday as well with heavy to excessive rainfall, flooding with debris flow and landslides near recent burn scar areas, heavy mountain snow and high winds.
• Multi-hazard storm will gradually weaken but heavy snow will persist in the Upper Mississippi Valley and severe storms may roll through the Southeast.
Slight Risk of excessive rainfall over parts of California on Thursday.
Record rainfall was recorded in areas of San Francisco on 31 December 2022. The National Weather Service (NWS) Bay Area reported 120.65 mm (4.47 inches) of rain fell in Oakland on 31 December 2022. This is the wettest day on record at the site, beating the previous record set in 1982.
The storm left thousands without power. Roads were flooded in parts of the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento County. Dozens of people trapped in vehicles were rescued by emergency services, including some by helicopter. Several victims were found clinging to trees for safety.
Levees broke along the Cosumnes River, causing flooding in Sacramento County. Evacuation orders or warnings were issued for residents in Wilton, Glanville Tract and Franklin Pond. A long stretch of State Route 99 near Elk Grove was underwater. One person died in a flooded vehicle in the area.
Areas of northern California have already seen heavy rain in recent days.
A Flood Watch is in place from the coast to the Sierra foothills, covering just about all of Northern California until Friday morning. Rivers will be running high, with creek and stream flooding likely.
A Flash Flood Watch until Friday morning for the August Complex burn scar, Caldor West burn scar, Dixie West burn scar, River burn scar, and Mosquito burn scar. Debris flow will be possible with these burn scars.
A Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra until Friday morning. Six to 15 inches of snow are expected above 5,000 feet, with 18 to 36 inches expected for areas above 6,000 feet. Wind gusts of 65 mph will create whiteout conditions. Travel will be challenging.
A High Wind Warning for the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys through Thursday afternoon. Southerly winds pick up early in the day on Wednesday, with sustained winds up to 35 mph, with gusts as strong as 60 mph. Power outages are expected.
Warning till 01-06-2023:
San Fransisco Peninsula Coast, Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast are under alert and the warnings are made public for Everyone to remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure.
Warning till 01-05-2023:
High wind warning remains in effect untill 10 am PST Thursday. The Southerly winds in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast are expected to flow at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph in valley locations. 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph above 1000 feet. Local gusts to around 70 mph along the coast and highest peaks.
Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Saturated soils will allow for trees to topple more easily during this prolonged wind event. The strongest winds will be during the cold frontal passage late Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday morning.
People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.