Triple Punch
A series of three back-to-back storms will bring heavy rains, strong winds and potential flash flooding to Northern and Central California starting today. The downpours are expected to come in quickly and in large amounts, with up to 2 inches per hour predicted by AccuWeather meteorologists. The rain will stretch from Los Angeles up to the Oregon/California border. This excessive rainfall could result in flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas charred by wildfires in recent months. The biggest threat of dangerous flooding is in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where totals can reach up to a foot of rain, with an AccuWeather Local StormMaxTM of 16 inches from Sunday into Monday.
Strong winds are also expected to impact the region. The most powerful gusts are expected to hit around Monterey Bay and push north, including Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. Portions of the Interstate 5 corridor between Redding, California, and Medford, Oregon could see gusts of up to 70 mph with an AccuWeather Local StormMaxTM of 80 mph.
Snow will be the issue in higher elevations with these storms. Intense snowfall is predicted in the Sierra Nevadas, with up to 3 inches falling per hour in some areas. Above 8,000 feet, 3-6 feet of snow is likely, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 8 feet.
Businesses in the region need to keep a close eye on this system and should:
- Expect business interruption due to extended power outages
- Expect ground logistics disruption due to road closures, downed trees and flash flooding
- Loss of Inventory due to flooding – If your warehouse is in a low-lying area, precautions should be taken
- Ensure all employees and visitors on-site have a way to be notified of severe weather
