Sacramento Valley residents should prepare for bitter cold weather well below freezing starting Thursday evening after snow that blanketed the Redding area melted throughout the day, the National Weather Service said.
Redding temperatures will plummet to 23 degrees as the winter storm dissipates, the weather service’s Sacramento branch reported. A freeze warning is in effect from midnight to 9 a.m. on Friday for Redding and most of the northern Sacramento Valley including Red Bluff.
The cold storm that brought rain earlier in the week turned colder, dropping snow levels “very low” by Thursday morning, forecasters said. More than an inch was in the forecast for parts of Redding, with light snow falling as far south as Red Bluff along Interstate 5.
Heavier snow fell north of Shasta Lake, with 6 inches in the forecast for Lakehead. Snow accumulations increase traveling north.
Nights will chill in the 30s later in the week, and daytime temperatures won’t rise above the low 50s, the weather service said.
Starting Sunday, a warmer storm will bring moderate to heavy rain in the valley, mountain snow and gusty winds. That storm will continue into next week.
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Watch for ice on I-5, North State highways
Forecasters advised people to avoid driving when possible during the storm and watch for ice, especially in the early mornings. If you go, plan for travel delays and road closures, they said.
Drivers should slow down and watch for patchy ice along roads, especially in the foothills and mountains. Prepare for possible chain controls north of Redding on Interstate 5 and on Highway 44 driving towards Burney, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Burney office said.
The California Department of Transportation recommends people check road conditions before they travel at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
Refresh your browser for the latest radar loop.
Prepare for possible power outages during winter weather
Pacific Gas and Electric reported small outages on Wednesday in storm areas south of Redding after night temperatures dropped to 30 degrees in the city.
With more snow, wind and freezes on the way, additional outages are possible, the weather service said.
Track power outages in your area at data.redding.com/national-power-outage-map-tracker.
If you see a downed power pole or power line, or if you smell gas, stay clear of the area and call 911, utility companies said.
Avoid going out during freeze warning
California public health branches warn people to bring in pets and check on family and neighbors — especially the elderly or people in poor health — when the weather turns cold.
“If you are without a way to heat your home or shelter, or have to be mindful of utility costs, there are different types of local resources to help you stay warm,” Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency said.
Anyone needing overnight shelter can request a place to stay at the Good News Rescue Mission, 3075 Veda St. in Redding. Call 530-241-5754.
For a list of daytime warming centers throughout Shasta County go to shastacounty.gov/health-human-services/page/warming-resources-and-cold-safety.
Frosty weather closes some Shasta-Trinity National Forest offices
The U.S. Forest Service said the cold weather and heavy snow expected in the mountains this week forced the agency to close or limited station hours at some Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s ranger districts.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica on Record Searchlight Facebook groups Get Out! Nor Cal , Today in Shasta County and Shaping Redding’s Future. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Freeze warning for Redding. What to expect as low temp dips to 20s
Reporting by Jessica Skropanic, Redding Record Searchlight / Redding Record Searchlight
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