Weather Insider: NorCal Winter Weather
A large winter storm will be impacting the west coast as we approach this weekend. There are multiple Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings already in place throughout Northern California. The Blizzard Warnings are mainly along the Sierra Nevada mountains. Up to several feet of snow is expected for many areas.
Just like a hurricane, there are some specific criteria that a storm must possess in order to be classified as a blizzard. Firstly winds must be at least 35 MPH. As well, blowing snow must reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile for at least three hours. If all these criteria are met for a given area, a blizzard watch/warning may be issued.
You should never put yourself in a dangerous driving situation, but if you must drive through winter weather, here are some tips. Be sure to check for any road closures before you hit the road. Also make sure your car is in good shape (tire pressure, wiper blades, etc.). It's also a good idea to keep important things like snacks, water, blankets, and chargers with you.
