Stormy weather to cross through Solano County on Tuesday
The rain will make for slick roadways, officials warn. Thunderstorms are possible on Wednesday.
(Graphic by Solano News Update)
A winter storm is expected to bring gusty wind and periods of moderate to heavy rain in parts of Northern California on Tuesday, according to weather forecasters.
The storm, described by National Weather Service meteorologists as “significant,” will impact much of Solano County starting Tuesday in the late morning or early afternoon hours.
“This is forecast to be the wettest system so far this season for much of the region,” forecasters said in a bulletin late Monday evening.
In Solano County, gusty wind in excess of 20 miles per hour could be experienced at times. Coupled with periods of moderate to rainfall, the weather could make for dangerous conditions on area roadways.
Drivers are urged to be cautious when traveling through bad weather. California law requires drivers to turn on their headlights when windshield wipers are used.
Concerns about wildfire burn areas
Forecasters say the weather is particularly problematic for areas that have been devastated by wildfires in recent years.
“With these high precipitation amounts in a generally short amount of time, and since this is the first significant rainfall over the new burn areas, ash flows are possible over the northern burn scars,” the National Weather Service said on Monday.
Wildfire burn scars eastern Butte and western Plumas counties were specifically targeted as areas that could see ash and debris flows from periods of intense rain, though other burned-out areas — including those impacted locally by the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire — should remain alert for potential complications brought on by the wind and rain.
Weather forecasters say people in areas affected by wildfires should monitor NOAA Weather Radio, public safety officials and local media for weather updates, including possible flash flood warnings. In Solano County, emergency notifications are made through Alert Solano, a free service that reaches residents and businesses via recorded phone calls, email alerts and text messages.
Possible power outages on Tuesday
The anticipated severe weather prompted Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) officials to issue a warning about potential power disruptions.
They utility’s own weather forecasters have created a Storm Outage Prediction Model that the company says “incorporates real-time weather forecasts, historical data and system knowledge to accurately show where and when storm impacts will be most severe.” PG&E says it uses this prediction model to stage utility crews throughout its coverage area so they can respond quickly to electric and gas service disruptions.
PG&E’s forecasters say the risk of power outages begins on Tuesday when the rain and wind moves through and continues on Wednesday when thunderstorms are possible in portions of the Sacramento valley.
“Our meteorology team is closely tracking the weather and working with our operations teams in the field to ensure we’re ready to restore outages safely and as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson said on Monday.
PG&E urged customers to stock up on necessary supplies — including flashlights, batteries, portable phone charging banks, water and non-perishable food — well in advance of a storm. Customers should report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1 first, then calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
PG&E’s online power outage map will provide near-real time updates on electrical service disruptions. Customers can also sign up for free power outage notifications by recorded phone call, e-mail or text message by clicking or tapping here.
Thunderstorms might form Wednesday
The National Weather Service’s meteorologists also predict the possibility of thunderstorms for Wednesday afternoon, though forecast models were shaky on exactly where and when these might form.
The agency didn’t count out the possibility that thunderstorms might be present in areas of Solano and Yolo counties, but said they were more likely in the foothills.
“Confidence [in thunderstorms developing] remains low at this time,” a forecast bulletin said on Monday.
Any thunderstorms that develop would almost certainly be accompanied by rain, which lessens the likelihood that lightning strikes could spark dangerous wildfires like those experienced over the summer.
Sierra will see brunt of winter storm
Computer models used by weather forecasters predict the storm front that moves through Solano County and much of Northern California on Tuesday could stall over the Sierra Nevada where a Winter Storm Warning has been issued.
“Significant snowfall is forecast across the higher mountain elevations,” the National Weather Service said.
Heavy snowfall is predicted for mountainous areas of Shasta County and western Plumas County early Tuesday morning, with snow storms crossing through the Sierra Nevada by Tuesday afternoon and lasting through Wednesday.
“The period of heaviest snow and wind over I-80 [in the affected areas] is expected from late Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night,” the agency said.
The Winter Storm Warning lasts through Wednesday afternoon, but it could be extended based on the behavior of the storm.
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