AGENDA 21 RADIO

BY PAUL PRESTON

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

While rain will be confined to Northern California this weekend, wet weather is set to soak more of the state on Monday and Tuesday.

A cold front moving onshore from the Pacific will push moisture into the atmosphere over northern and coastal parts of the state on Monday, bringing the first deluge of the week to many.

“After a recent break from the active weather pattern, Californians must brace for the next brush with the atmospheric river of moisture aimed farther to the north,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott said.

While coastal areas north of the San Francisco Bay can anticipate a rainy Monday from the start, those farther inland can wait until the afternoon to don their rain jackets.

“The worst of the storm will hold off until Monday night and into Tuesday, when the heaviest downpours are forecast to move onshore,” Elliott said.

Any heavier downpours could result in localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Drivers should take caution to avoid flooded areas.

“The greatest risk for areas of flooding will be along the western slopes of the mountains, where a total of 1-3 inches of rain can pour down,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.

“Due to recent flooding issues and already saturated soils, a heightened risk for mudslides and rockslides exists, so much that even a modest amount of rainfall can trigger serious and life-threatening situations,” Elliott said.

“Streams and rivers already running above normal levels can exceed flood stage and pose a risk to homeowners living in flood plains.”

As the rain pours down in the lower elevations, burying snowfall will return to the mountains.

“Snow levels in the Sierra will start at 7,500 feet on Monday with this storm, but will fall to 6,500 feet on Monday night and then 5,500 feet by the end of Tuesday,” Pydynowski said.

Travel will become treacherous through Donner Pass with chain restrictions likely.

“Even the slightest bit of snow on roadways can lead to spin-outs and treacherous traveling conditions as tires quickly lose their traction on snow-covered roadways,” Elliott said.