Update: Flood Watch Issued For The Mother Lode

Photo by BJ Hansen

The Winter Storm Warning currently in effect for the Mother Lode and the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada, will expire at 10 AM this morning.

Snow levels continue to range between 1,500 to 2,500 feet.

The maximum additional snow accumulations could range from six to fifteen inches.

Winds may gust up to thirty to forty-five mph. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.

Travel could be very difficult, if not impossible.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada, from Thursday morning until Sunday morning. A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect for Yosemite National Park above 7,000 feet from 4 PM Thursday until 10 AM Sunday.

On Thursday, the snow levels will range from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. By Friday morning, the snow levels will range from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Heavy snow is likely above 7,000 feet.

Total snow accumulations above the 7,000 foot elevation, will range from two to eight feet. The higher you go, the more the snow.

Winds may gust as high as seventy-five to eighty mph. Such strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

A Wind Advisory has been issued for the Mother Lode, the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada, and the northern and central San Joaquin Valley, from 4 PM Thursday until 4 PM Friday.

In the Central Valley, south to southeast winds of fifteen to thirty-five mph are likely with gusts ranging from forty to fifty mph. In the Mother Lode and the Sierra Nevada, gusts of fifty to eighty mph are possible. The higher you go, the stronger the gusts.

Such gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

A Flood Watch has been issued for the Mother Lode, the northern and central San Joaquin Valley, Mariposa County below 4,000 feet, Yosemite National Park below 4,000 feet and the western slope of the Sierra Nevada below 4,000 feet, from Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning.

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall and snow melt is possible. The heaviest rain is expected from Thursday night into Friday.

Excessive runoff from heavy rain and snow melt may result in flooding of roadways, rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, especially where snow pack is blocking drains and culverts. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.