Central Valley drying out for now. Here’s the forecast for next rain and Sierra warning

The wave of storms sweeping California is expected to make a wet Christmas in the central San Joaquin Valley and continue to pound the Sierra Nevada.

The Central Valley was expected to have a small break from the rain Friday, with a possibility of light showers during the day, according to meteorologist Jeffrey Barlow at the National Weather Service in Hanford.

Barlow said Christmas Day in the Valley should be dry before a new storm system is expected to hit the Valley on Christmas night, bringing close to four-tenths of an inch of rain to Fresno and Visalia. Areas like Bass Lake and North Fork are expected to get anywhere between three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a half of rain.

A winter storm warning was issued overnight Thursday for the Sierra Nevada and will remain in effect until 4 p.m. Sunday. Total snowfall is expected to be 3 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet, with localized amounts of up to 7 feet in higher elevations.

According to Barlow, on Sunday snow levels are expected to reach down to 1,500 feet in elevation. The National Weather Service warned that travel in the Sierra Nevada will be extremely difficult or nearly impossible. Travelers should expect road closures due to snow cover and delayed travel.

This story was originally published December 24, 2021 at 9:08 AM.