The National Weather Service has issued a significant storm warning for Northern California, as Storm 2 is set to arrive on Sunday afternoon, bringing with it a barrage of heavy mountain snow, widespread precipitation, gusty south winds, and the possibility of afternoon/evening thunderstorms. The heaviest conditions are expected from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon.
A brief lull in conditions is expected late tonight through early Sunday morning, with only light mountain snowfall. However, conditions will become more active again Sunday afternoon as rain and mountain snow return, with periods of moderate to heavy rain and snow expected to persist through Tuesday night.
This system is projected to be stronger than the previous one, with a closed low moving off the coast of Northwest California. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, including Interstate 80 over Donner Pass, Highway 50 over Echo Summit, and Highway 88 over Carson Pass from 4 PM Sunday to 10 AM Wednesday. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet above 5500 feet are expected, with up to 3 to 4 feet at higher elevations. Snow levels will initially be between 6500 to 7500 feet, lowering to 5000 to 6000 feet by Monday morning.