Rain and thunderstorms likely in Northern California this weekend. Here’s what to expect

Heavy rainstorms are forecast in the Sierra Nevada and foothills this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Over the next several days, expect a chance of thunderstorms in the mountains, foothills and parts of the Valley, said meteorologist Katrina Hand.

Weather in foothills and Tahoe area

Evening thunderstorms are predicted for Friday near Tahoe, but “more widespread” storms will come in over the weekend and into Monday, according to the weather service.

Heavy rain is forecast through the weekend with thunderstorms likely to start Saturday night, according to the weather service forecast.

Sunday is the “most concerning day just because we have a lot of moisture in the atmosphere,” Hand said.

Temperature highs will remain in the low 60s, with temperature lows to stay in the 40s.

Heavy rain could reach into the Northern Sacramento Valley and parts of Placer and El Dorado counties.

Lightning could hit Saturday and Sunday evening, according to the Truckee and Tahoe City forecasts.

If you find yourself outside during a thunderstorm, here’s how to stay safe, the weather service says:

• Run inside or into a hard-topped vehicle

• Avoid trees

• Wait 30 minutes after hearing or seeing thunder and lightning before heading back out

Rain and thunderstorms are also possible over the weekend in Folsom, Auburn, Roseville, Placerville and El Dorado Hills.

Driving conditions to Tahoe

Motorists heading up to the mountains over the next few days should be aware of localized flooding concerns and increased travel times, Hand said. Meanwhile, thunderstorm threats can potentially impact the valley, foothills and mountains.

Early Friday morning, a rock slide came down at Donner Pass Road, between Sugar Bowl and Truckee, according to a Truckee California Highway Patrol Instagram post.

“Long term” closures are expected on the road due to the significant damage.

Hand urged motorists to remain weather aware this weekend, either through the weather radio or phone alerts.

Sacramento forecast

Conditions in the Sacramento area will remain partly sunny through the weekend, according to the weather service forecast.

“Temperatures are trending generally near to below normal for this time of year,” Hand said.

There is a potential for brief showers to reach the Sacramento area, but “ the probabilities are much lower for the Sacramento area compared to the mountains and the northern portions of the valley,” Hand said.

Temperature highs will remain in the low 80s over the weekend, with lows in the mid 50s, according to the weather service.

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