Scattered thunderstorms capable of heavy rain, small hail and gusty winds are forecast to hit the Folsom and El Dorado Hills foothills Wednesday, Oct. 21.
KCRA 3 meteorologist Heather Waldman labeled the day a Weather Impact Day, citing the storm risk for the foothills and Sierra. The storms mark the first rain of the new water year for Northern California, according to KCRA 3.
The morning is expected to bring mostly cloudy skies and scattered showers. As afternoon temperatures rise, those showers are forecast to strengthen into thunderstorms, particularly at higher elevations. Storms should weaken after sunset.
The National Weather Service forecast for Folsom calls for a chance of showers Wednesday with a high near 72 degrees and a low around 54 degrees. Showers are likely to continue into Thursday, with a high near 68 degrees.
The NWS zone forecast for the Central Motherlode, which includes Cameron Park and Shingle Springs, calls for mostly cloudy skies Wednesday. A slight chance of rain is expected in the morning, with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in that zone are expected between 65 and 71 degrees.
Hail is also possible.
Waldman reported that stronger cells could produce heavy rain and hail that make freeways slick and reduce visibility. Drivers heading out Wednesday afternoon or evening should expect brief bursts of heavy rain and use headlights when wipers are on, she wrote.
Foothills communities could see close to a half inch of rain from the system, according to KCRA 3. Parts of the Sierra may receive close to an inch. Valley totals will vary because showers are expected to be scattered.
Another round of showers is forecast for Thursday, Oct. 22, though the thunderstorm risk is lower. Snow is possible above 8,000 feet, with one to three inches at those elevations.
Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) has temporarily closed Sonora, Ebbetts and Monitor passes, according to KCRA 3.
Residents can monitor conditions through the National Weather Service Sacramento office.
