The National Weather Service forecasted widespread rain and high elevation snow moving through California on Thursday, following an abnormally wet winter with multiple storms and atmospheric rivers. The state has seen heavy rain and snow since January, replenishing reservoirs across the region. A winter storm advisory is in effect for the northern half of California, with San Francisco expected to experience rain first on Thursday morning before moving through other cities throughout the day.
A storm system is anticipated to impact the region early on Thursday, with showers and possible thunderstorms continuing into Friday morning. The NWS Bay Area office provided a forecast model predicting the most intense rain for each region, with San Francisco potentially receiving up to an inch of rain and San Jose getting roughly half an inch. Widespread flooding is not expected, but up to a foot of snow could fall in high-elevation areas, with snow showers expected to continue into Friday. The storm could make travel hazardous with slick roads and chain controls causing delays, particularly in areas like the Santa Lucia Range, North Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, and East Bay.
The storm is predicted to weaken by Thursday evening, with more rain expected Friday morning. San Diego is under a winter storm warning for heavy snow at elevations of 4,000 feet and higher. While significant flooding is not forecasted, the storm could lead to challenging travel conditions and potential tree damage due to gusty winds. NWS Sacramento has issued warnings for hazardous road conditions and chain controls that might cause delays.
Overall, the storm system is set to bring significant precipitation to various parts of California through Friday, contributing to the already wet winter the state has experienced. The NWS Bay Area shared updates on the storm’s progress and potential impacts on social media platforms, providing forecasts for different regions and warning residents to prepare for difficult travel conditions. Despite the likelihood of heavy rain and snow, widespread flooding is not expected, but residents are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions as the storm passes through the state.
