early next week until this latest atmospheric river weather event subsides.The National Weather Service forecasts severe weather beginning Saturday into early next week with:
• moderate to heavy rain, heavy mountain snow, and flooding concerns with storms on Saturday-Sunday and Monday-Tuesday, with the heaviest rain expected on Monday;
• continued rises on area rivers; mainstem river flooding likely by early next week;
• wet pattern could continue into next weekend with continued flooding and mountain travel impacts possible;
• damaging winds likely causing widespread downed trees and power outages;
• difficult, if not impossible driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles;
• moderate to heavy rain on already saturated soils which could lead to areas of rapidly developing roadway and urban flooding on rivers, streams, and creeks;
• localized rock/mudslides in the foothills due to heavy rainfall;
• and snow levels beginning at approximately 4,000-5,500 feet beginning Saturday.
If you must travel, be prepared for winter driving conditions. In the mountains, always have chains, winterize your vehicle, and pack an emergency kit. Stay back and give
our plows room to work safely. In wet weather, reduce speed and follow at a safe distance, inspect wipers and replace if needed, don’t use cruise control, check headlights, inflate tires to the correct pressure, check tread, and heed flood warnings and road closures.
In the event of a power outage, traffic signals may convert to a flashing red light or lose power and go dark, and street lights could turn off. Motorists should treat flashing red signal lights as an all-way stop and treat every entrance to an intersection as a stop sign.
When emergency personnel are at a scene directing traffic and giving specific instructions, default to their authority over flashing red lights. Always follow the directions of emergency personnel.
Drive cautiously and watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians.
More tips and information are available here: dot.ca.gov/travel.
Check Caltrans for road conditions: quickmap.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-427-7623.
Source: Caltrans
