Weather News

Have your umbrella ready: What you need to know about storm headed for Fresno, Valley

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Hanford estimate the central San Joaquin Valley floor could see up to 2 inches of rain in a coming storm.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Hanford estimate the central San Joaquin Valley floor could see up to 2 inches of rain in a coming storm. National Weather Service Hanford

The central San Joaquin Valley could see heavy rain and snow in a strong storm expected early in the coming week.

The National Weather Service in Hanford predicts Valley areas such as Fresno, Merced, Madera and Visalia may see 1.5 to 2 inches of rain. Areas to the west such as Avenal and Coalinga may receive about an inch.

Foothill and mountain areas are expected to receive much more rain and, at higher elevations, some snow.

Mariposa, Oakhurst and Shaver Lake could receive 4 to 6 inches of rain.

Snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada as low as 5,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation, then possibly to 3,000 feet as the precipitation event winds down Tuesday night.

Yosemite Valley could see 1 or 2 feet of snow; Shaver Lake and Grant Grove could see up to 3 feet.

The Weather Service estimates the storm will arrive in the Valley on Sunday night. But the heaviest rain and snow is expected Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon.

This story was originally published December 11, 2021 at 1:06 PM.

Brianna Vaccari
The Fresno Bee
Brianna Vaccari covers Fresno City Hall for The Bee, where she works to hold public officials accountable and shine a light on issues that deeply affect residents’ lives. She previously worked for The Bee’s sister paper, the Merced Sun-Star, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Fresno State.
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