CA weather: Thunder, rain, hail and mountain snow forecast
Sacramento Bee • • nation
Key Points:
- Severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, strong winds, and mountain snow are expected across California, with a severe thunderstorm warning issued for much of the state on April 9 by the National Weather Service.
- A winter storm watch is in effect for the Sierra Nevada from Friday evening through Sunday night, warning of moderate to heavy snow and difficult mountain travel, especially in areas like Quincy, Chester, and Blue Canyon.
- Thunderstorms will arrive in waves starting Thursday with lighter rain and isolated storms, followed by a stronger system on Friday bringing lightning, gusty winds, small hail, and moderate snowfall above 7,000 feet.
- Snowfall in the Sierra Nevada could reach 1 to 2 feet above 4,500 feet and up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks, with wind gusts up to 45 mph causing travel disruptions; wintry conditions will persist through Monday in areas like South Lake Tahoe and Yosemite.
- Central Valley cities including Sacramento, Modesto, Merced, and Fresno face severe thunderstorms through the weekend with rain, wind, and lightning, while coastal and Southern California areas like San Luis Obispo expect lighter showers and possible thunderstorms mainly on Friday and Saturday.
