Windy and Wet: Northern California Braces for Stormy Week

Northern California is in for a wild ride this week. A powerful atmospheric river is bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the region. The National Weather Service warns that this storm is not just a one-day event. It will stick around and cause trouble for a few days. Early Wednesday morning, a deep trough moved in. This made the commute messy for folks in the Sacramento Valley. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 40 mph in the valley. In the Sierra, winds could hit a whopping 60 mph. That's enough to make even the sturdiest trees sway. Rain is the main story here. Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are expected, especially north of Interstate 80. Drivers should take it slow. Expect longer commute times because of the wet roads. There's also a chance of isolated thunderstorms into Wednesday afternoon and evening. So, keep an eye on the sky. The snow level is starting high, around 8, 000 feet. But it's expected to drop to about 7, 000-7, 500 feet by Wednesday afternoon. This means higher elevations will see snow, while lower areas get rain. The storm isn't going anywhere fast. Scattered showers are expected to linger into Thursday. By Saturday and Sunday, things should dry out. But don't get too comfortable. Forecasts show another active weather pattern could be on the way next week. This storm is a reminder of how unpredictable weather can be. It's important to stay informed and be prepared. Whether you're driving, hiking, or just going about your day, keep an eye on the weather. Stay safe out there.