Storms line up

Weather service says dig in and hang on

By ROSALIO AHUMADA
rahumada@modbee.com

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The weather is about to turn cold, wet and very windy.

Two storms are expected to bring heavy rain to the Northern San Joaquin Valley and blizzard conditions to the mountains beginning today, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters predict the valley also will face the strongest wind in a decade.

The storms coming out of the Gulf of Alaska won't give residents much time to recover through the weekend.

PDF Graphic: Weather outlook for the week
IF THE POWER GOES OUT
- Have battery-operated radios ready for updates on storm conditions and power failures.
- Have flashlights ready with new batteries.
- Have a cell phone or hard-wire telephone available and fully charged. Cordless phones will not work without electricity.
- Don't leave candles unattended and do not use candles near drapes, under lampshades or near holiday trees.
- Fill used plastic soda bottles with water and place them in the freezer. During an extended power failure, transfer them to the refrigerator to prevent food from spoiling.
- Open the refrigerator only when necessary, keeping warm air out and cool air in.
- If you have a generator, make sure it is installed properly.
- Turn off or unplug electric appliances. Otherwise, when power is restored, several appliances may turn on at once and overload the circuits.
- Report downed power lines and other electric emergencies by calling 911. If you see a downed power line, assume it is carrying electric current and do not try to move it.
Source: Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Special Weather Statement
NOAA Weather Statement as of 3:28 PM PST on November 8, 2009 ...A colder storm could affect the region by Wednesday... Low pressure currently over the Gulf of Alaska will move into northern California by Wednesday. A cold front may bring a period of moderate to heavy precipitation sometime between Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night. Gusty south to southwest winds over 30 mph are possible ahead of the front Wednesday...especially in the mountains. Gusts over 50 mph may develop over higher mountain passes. Rain may move into the northern Sacramento Valley by Wednesday afternoon...and spread across the entire region Wednesday night. In the mountains...rain and snow may move into the Lassen park area and Shasta County mountains Wednesday afternoon...and shift into the west slopes of the Sierra Wednesday night. Occasionally heavy showers are possible near the cold front as it moves south across the region. Snow levels could drop below 6000 feet Wednesday night...meaning this storm has the potential to have a high impact on travel in the mountains. Colder air may continue to spill into the region Thursday. Valley rain and mountain snow showers could continue into Thursday morning before tapering off by late Thursday afternoon. If your plans call for travel into the Sierra or Lassen park area Wednesday and Thursday...be prepared for winter driving conditions. Monitor the latest National Weather Service forecasts for updates and future statements about this developing storm. Sg
CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS
Clear, 39°F (at 3:53 am in Modesto) Wind chill: 37° Wind: ESE, 4 mph Dew point: 37° Humidity: 93% Visibility: 10.0 miles
THREE DAY FORECAST
Today	Tuesday	Wednesday
High: 67 Low: 43	High: 67 Low: 43	High: 63 Low: 43
Click Here For A Complete Report!

"They're going to come right on the heels of one another," said Cynthia Palmer, a wea-ther service forecaster.

A south wind of 20 mph to 35 mph is possible starting tonight ahead of the stronger storm Friday. The weather serv-ice said Friday's wind gusts could hit 40 mph in the valley and as much as 65 mph in the foothills, with higher gusts over the peaks.

Forecasters predict rain today through Saturday for the Modesto area with the chances of rain decreasing Sunday and into next week. Pal-mer said the storms are expected to dump 2 to 5 inches of rain on the valley by Sunday.

She said snow levels initially will be at 6,000 feet in the central Sierra east of Sonora, but the snow levels are expected to drop to 4,500 feet Friday and possibly to 2,500 feet by Saturday.

The Lake Tahoe region could accumulate up to 10 feet of fresh snow by Sunday at higher elevations, forecasters predict. That's good news for ski resorts but bad news for people driving over mountain passes to get there.

The California Highway Patrol urged drivers to be aware of the possibility of flooded roads, wind gusts and low visibility.

The combination of strong wind and several inches of snowfall per hour creates dangerous and blizzardlike conditions in the mountains, said officer Tom Wills in the CHP's Sonora office.

He said heavy snowfall is expected in higher elevations, where "whiteout conditions" could develop.

"That's when you get vertical snow and there's snow flying everywhere," said Wills, who experienced similar weather while living in North Dakota for four years. "It's worse than driving in fog. Your whole world is white."

If you must drive in higher elevations this weekend, Wills said, keep the gas tank full and carry food, water, blankets and shovels to clear snow from tailpipes and tires.

If heavy, blowing snow develops, Wills said, drivers should look for markers on the side of the road called "snow stakes" to keep the vehicle on the road.

A blizzard warning is in effect for the mountains from 4 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday, according to the weather service.

Sustained wind may bring down large tree limbs as well as shallow-rooted trees. Forecasters urge residents to tie down loose objects outside or bring them inside.

If drivers are caught in windy weather, Wills said, "Keep both hands on the steering wheel and keep the speed down."

Before traveling, check California road conditions by calling 800-427-7623 or 916-445-1534, or go to www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi.

Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or 578-2394.