Latest winter storm will delay travel, could cause power outages, forecasters say
Steady rain and strong wind were expected to pound the Modesto area through Sunday. The National Weather Service declared a winter storm warning for the region and discouraged travel in the snowy higher elevations east of Stanislaus County.
Cities across the Northern San Joaquin Valley will celebrate the start of the Christmas season with parades and other festivities despite weather reports warning of wet days ahead as the latest atmospheric river event moves through the region.
A wind advisory will remain in effect from late Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday in the Modesto area. Southeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts 30 to 50 mph are expected, according to the Weather Service.
Forecasters warned that gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects; tree limbs or weakened trees could be blown down, possibly resulting in a few power outages. They urged drivers to use extra caution on the road, especially in high-profile vehicles.
The Weather Service on Friday predicted about a half of an inch to an inch of rain would fall in the Modesto area through Sunday. Local ponding of water on roads and the rising of small streams was expected. The heaviest rainfall was expected in the foothills east of Stanislaus County.
In the Sierra Nevada, the snow levels were expected at elevations above 5,500 feet with about 1 to 3 feet of additional snow expected to fall. Some areas could get up to 4 feet of new snow, according to the Weather Service.
Other impacts from this weekend’s storm:
- Major mountain travel delays, chain controls and possible highway closures.
- Low visibility due to a combination of wind and heavy snow.
- Slick roads and minor roadway flooding.
The high temperatures in the Modesto area are expected to reach 62 degrees on Saturday and 59 degrees on Sunday. Forecasters said the lows will drop to 51 degrees Saturday night and 45 degrees Sunday night. Patchy fog is expected to return to the area late Sunday into Monday morning.
This story was originally published December 6, 2019 at 2:15 PM.