How much rain has fallen in the Modesto area, and what’s ahead?
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The first rainstorm in more than a month has hit the Modesto area, with more rain and wind expected this week.
According to the Modesto Irrigation District, .58 inches of rain has fallen in downtown Modesto as of 6 a.m. Monday after the storm moved in on Sunday.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory through Monday evening, with gusty winds coming from the south. “Strong winds may cause power outages, down weakened trees and tree branches,” the advisory says. “Driving could be difficult for high-profile vehicles.”
Rain is expected to fall in the Northern San Joaquin Valley through Tuesday, with another storm moving in by Wednesday night.
The forecast calls for snow as low as 4,000 feet to start and 2,500 feet by Tuesday. Sixty to 80 inches are possible at Sonora Pass, the 9,620-foot summit of Highway 108, already closed for the winter.
The actual water yield from the melted snow next year depends on its density, which varies by storm. The state is two years into a drought.
The central Sierra had 22% of its average snowpack for Dec. 10, the California Department of Water Resources said. That was up from 15% last week thanks to a modest storm.
Stay with The Bee for updates on the storm throughout the day.
This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 7:39 AM with the headline "How much rain has fallen in the Modesto area, and what’s ahead?."
