Sacramento Rain Totals for Today: A Fast-Moving Storm System Brings Heavy Snowfall

A fast-moving storm system is expected to bring significant rainfall and snowfall to Sacramento today, with totals varying greatly depending on elevation. While the storm will quickly clear out of the region by Sunday morning, residents are advised to stay updated with the forecast before traveling over the passes, as possible travel delays could occur.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of the Sierra Nevada mountains, where heavy snow and wind gusts greater than 60 mph are expected. In these areas, snowfall totals are expected to range from 5 to 10 inches at lower elevations, with up to 12 inches possible at higher peaks.

In Sacramento Valley, rain totals are expected to range from 0.50'' to 1'' across the valley floor, while foothills and Sierra regions can expect 1'' to 2'' of rain. These totals are significantly higher than average for May in Sacramento, which typically sees only 0.86'' of precipitation.

The storm is expected to move quickly through the region, with temperatures dropping dramatically over the weekend. Gusts up to 30 to 40 mph are possible, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph across the Sierra Nevada mountains. The strongest wind gusts will occur in the northern valley, foothills, and Sierra regions.

Across the Sierra Nevada range, precipitation is expected to start as rain at first, before transitioning to snow as elevations rise above 7,000 feet on Saturday. By Sunday morning, snow levels are expected to drop to around 4,000 feet. Expect small hail, gusty winds, lightning, and brief heavy rain with any thunderstorms that develop.

CBS13 has declared Saturday a First Alert Action Day, as the bulk of the storm system is expected to arrive. After the initial front moves in, expect widespread steady rain across the valley floor during the morning and afternoon.

Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest forecast updates before traveling, as road conditions could be hazardous due to wet and slick roads. While this will be a significant rain event for Sacramento, it is also expected to bring much-needed precipitation to the region ahead of the warmer months.

Sacramento rain totals for today