A major winter storm brought strong winds with moderate to heavy rain bringing renewed flooding of already elevated waterways. There was flooding of roadways, urban areas, rivers, streams and creeks, with rockslides and mudslides also reported.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS STO wrote it up.
A major winter storm brought strong winds with moderate to heavy rain bringing renewed flooding of already elevated waterways. There was flooding of roadways, urban areas, rivers, streams and creeks, with rockslides and mudslides also reported. There were dangerous mountain travel conditions with snow levels around 4000 feet and 3 to 5 feet of storm total snowfall above 6000 feet. Winds gusted up to 60-70 mph in the Central Valley. In the mountains there were gusts up to 80 to 115 mph, which coupled with heavy snow, brought whiteout conditions. There were widespread trees down across the area, blocking roads and causing numerous power outages. There were thunderstorms on the 10th with a tornado in Calaveras County and straight line wind damage and small hail reported in the northern San Joaquin Valley.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Sacramento, CA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 7, 2:12 PM PST, 3 hours 48 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Sacramento CA 212 PM PST Sat Jan 7 2023 .SYNOPSIS... A series of winter storms will impact interior Northern California through next week with periods of moderate to heavy precipitation and gusty winds impacting mountain travel and continuing flooding potential. && .Discussion... Current radar shows precipitation beginning to spread inland this afternoon, as another winter storm brings impacts to interior northern California this weekend. Widespread precipitation will bring moderate to locally heavy rainfall to the area through Sunday, with heaviest amounts falling this evening and overnight. Storm total precipitation is still on track for around 0.50 to 2 inches in the Valley with highest amounts in the northern Sacramento Valley. This will bring renewed flooding concerns to the area, and rises to local streams, creeks and rivers. Southerly wind gusts are starting to strengthen this afternoon, and will persist through mid-day Sunday. Strongest winds will be later this evening and overnight, as gusts 40 to 50 mph will be possible in the Valley and eastern foothills. A Wind Advisory remains in effect through 1 PM Sunday afternoon. The National Blend of Models has trended the thunder chances upward since the previous forecast for today and tomorrow, with best chances for isolated thunderstorms in the Delta, Valley and adjacent foothills. Additionally, periods of moderate to heavy snow associated with this storm will also bring dangerous mountain travel, with snow levels around 4000 to 5000 feet. By mid-day Sunday, much of the precipitation will be out of the area, with lingering showers throughout the day. Winds will also be decreasing throughout the day, with locally breezy conditions lingering in the afternoon. A short break between systems Sunday evening will be followed by an even stronger storm Monday and Tuesday. Widespread moderate to heavy precipitation associated with this system will bring continued flooding concerns to urban areas and small streams, as well as mainstem rivers. Heaviest amounts will fall on Monday. At this point, storm total precipitation look to be around 2 to 4 inches in the Valley and 3 to 7 inches in the foothills/mountains. This will be a warmer and wetter system, and snow levels will start out around 5000 feet, and will rise to around 6500 to 8000 feet later on Monday, and then will fall again on Tuesday. The rising snow levels on Monday during the heavy precipitation will enhance the flooding concerns. Gusty southerly winds will accompany this system as well. Periods of moderate to heavy snow, combined with gusty southerly winds will lead to continued dangerous mountain travel through Tuesday. && .EXTENDED DISCUSSION (Wednesday THROUGH Saturday)... Clusters and ensembles indicate weak ridging on Wednesday over the region. Some lingering showers may occur over the interior but Wednesday looks to be trending drier with weaker southwest to west flow aloft over the region. Clusters are building a trough off the coast back near -140W on Thursday with moist south to southwest flow over the region. In General most of the valley should remain mostly dry with some chances for showers but orographics may be able to generate more widespread light showers over the foothills and mountains. This should give the region some time to process water though the system before more rain arrives. Friday is when the models/clusters indicate a trough along the coast bringing another round of decent rain and wind. Ensembles do point to the amount of rain and wind being less than the system earlier in the week. Snow levels look to be between 5500 and 6000 ft with this system. There is a second system closely behind the first one that looks to bring more rain for Saturday and Saturday night to the region but at this point models are currently focusing the brunt of the system to move south of the area. && .AVIATION... Precipitation will continue to move through the area through Sunday. VFR/MVFR conditions are generally forecast at the TAF sites over the next 24 hours. Gusty south to southeast winds will strengthen this afternoon, 20 to 25 kts, with gusts 35 to 40 kts possible through 21Z Sunday. && .STO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flood Watch from midnight PST tonight through Wednesday afternoon for Carquinez Strait and Delta-Central Sacramento Valley-Motherlode-Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County-Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley- Northern Sacramento Valley-Northern San Joaquin Valley-Shasta Lake Area / Northern Shasta County-Southern Sacramento Valley. Wind Advisory until 1 PM PST Sunday for Carquinez Strait and Delta-Central Sacramento Valley-Motherlode-Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley-Northern Sacramento Valley-Northern San Joaquin Valley-Southern Sacramento Valley. Winter Storm Warning until 4 PM PST Tuesday for West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada-Western Plumas County/Lassen Park. &&
The Beale AFB radar (KBBX), 30 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 14:28 UTC.
24 flood, 18 thunderstorm wind, 6 strong wind, 4 high wind, 2 winter storm, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Wires were down from a fallen tree and northbound lanes of Central Ave were blocked. Gusts to 41 mph were reported at McClellan Airfield.
A transformer was reported by the California Highway Patrol to be sparking and causing a small fire in a tree. Wind gusts to 41 mph were reported at McClellan Airfield.
Heavy snow fell, with Lower Lassen Peak receiving 30 inches of storm total snowfall between the 7th and the 11th. The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center estimated 1 to 4 feet of storm total snow over the Lassen Area and western Plumas County. The heavy snow with gusty winds caused mountain road closures across the area.
Heavy snow with accumulations of 1-2.5+ inches per hour from a strong winter storm resulted in the closure of both East and West bound lanes of Interstate 80 from Colfax to the Nevada State line around 11 AM PST on January 10th. Blue Canyon Airport ASOS reported visibility of less than 1/4 mile in heavy snow. The area also saw wind gusts up to 40-50 mph, bringing whiteout conditions. US Highway 50 at Echo Summit was also closed for avalanche control. Caltrans also reported closures of other mountain highways due to heavy snow. |Caltrans and area ski resorts reported multiple feet of snow from January 7-12, 2023. UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab reported 56.6 inches, Bear Valley resort reported 64 inches, Boreal Ski Resort reported 46 inches, Dodge Ridge Ski Resort reported 60 inches, Kirkwood Ski Resort reported 50 inches, Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort reported 45 inches, Soda Springs Ski Resort reported 46 inches, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort reported 56 inches, and Caltrans reported 48 inches at Kingvale for storm total snowfall.
A woman was reported to have died after a tree fell on her while she was in a tent near the 700th block of North 5th Street, near downtown Sacramento. Sacramento Fire Department PIO reported the tree fell due to strong winds. Gusts to 30 to 40 mph were measured in the area.
The California Highway Patrol reported a tree down in the road, in eastbound lanes and partially westbound lanes of Virginiatown Rd near Lost River Rd. Wind gusts to 48 mph were reported at Lincoln Airport.
The California Highway Patrol reported a tree down in the road, Gladding Rd near Fleming Rd. Wind gusts to 48 mph were reported at Lincoln Airport.
A trained spotter in Grass Valley measured a 71 mph gust with an anemometer. There was a tree down and minor damage near his home.
A man was reported to have died after a tree fell on him while he was in a tent near Tri Stations Road in North Highlands. Winds were gusting to 38 to 54 mph at nearby McClellan Airfield.
There were high winds around midnight for the Sacramento metro area, bringing numerous reports of damage. There were widespread downed trees, power lines, and power outages. McClellan Airfield measured a 68 mph gust with an anemometer at 11:35 AM. Sacramento International Airport measured a 63 mph gust with an anemometer at 00:15 AM and a 73 mph gust at 00:53 AM. Sacramento Executive Airport measured a 63 mph gust with an anemometer at 00:15 AM.
There were high winds around midnight with significant damage to the Sacramento Yacht Club. Sacramento International Airport measured a 63 mph gust with an anemometer at 00:15 AM and a 73 mph gust at 00:53 AM. Sacramento Executive Airport measured a 63 mph gust with an anemometer at 00:15 AM.
There were high winds around midnight with many trees down at the Sacramento Zoo, but no animals or staff were injured. The zoo was closed through Tuesday January 10 for cleanup. Sacramento International Airport measured a 63 mph gust with an anemometer at 00:15 AM and a 73 mph gust at 00:53 AM. Sacramento Executive Airport measured a 63 mph gust with an anemometer at 00:15 AM.
Caltrans District 2 reported State Route 70 is closed from Jarbo Gap to the Greenville WYE due to a slide.
The California Highway Patrol reported Lower Sacramento Road at Woodson Road closed due to 4 feet of water.
Caltrans District 3 reported SR16 in Yolo County closed at the SR20 junction due to mudslides.
The on-ramp at Wilson Way to Eastbound 4 was fully closed due to flooding.
There were 2 feet of water on both lanes between Interstate 5 northbound and Q Street in Sacramento reported by the California Highway Patrol.
Most of the three lanes were blocked with water between US 50 eastbound and Highway 99 southbound in Sacramento. Reported by the California Highway Patrol.
Solano County reported that multiple roads were flooded across the county.
Roadway flooding near Trade Center Drive in Rancho Cordova was reported by the California Highway Patrol.
A semi truck was reported to have jack-knifed on the right-hand shoulder.
A vehicle was stuck in the mud of the center divide of Interstate 5.
Caltrans District 3 reported flooding closed Westbound Interstate 80 between Longview Dr. & Winters St.
The California Highway Patrol reported creek flooding on the roadway at Lambuth Ave. and Valley Home Road.
Placer County Sheriff reported that South Brewer Rd in unincorporated Lincoln was flooded.
Glenn County reported multiple road closures due to flooding across the county.
Caltrans reported Eastbound and Westbound 4 were fully closed From Buckman Road to Waverly Road due to roadway wash-out/slip-out.
Caltrans reported a Westbound SR120 lane closure at Tulloch Road Crossover due to roadway wash-out/slip-out.
Both lanes were flooded at the intersection of S. Chrisman Rd/W. Durham Ferry Rd.
Gibson Road was closed due to flooding just west of the intersection with County Rd. 93.
Thunderstorm wind caused damage to metal roofing and siding on a hay barn, with the time estimated from radar.
The California Highway Patrol reported a semi-truck overturned and hanging off the side of the Interstate 5 bridge over the Yolo Bypass. A gust of 54 mph was reported at nearby Sacramento International Airport.
A large horse barn was picked up and moved over/across a 5-foot fence from winds from a severe thunderstorm straight line winds. Based on radar and damage photos, winds were around 75 mph.
A brief EF-1 tornado touched down near a small reservoir and Hogan Dam Road and continued NE for approximately 0.4 miles. It caused extensive tree damage to white oak and pine trees with trees uprooted and topped. The approximate path length was 0.4 miles with a path width of 50 yards and max winds of 90 mph.
Roadway flooding reported 2 miles SSW North Highlands.
There was a gust of 59 mph measured at 6NNW Hodson.
Tree down across 26 Mile Road. There was a gust to 42 mph at Modesto Airport.
The California Highway Patrol reported a large tree down blocking both lanes of SR120, with the road closed. A gust of 42 mph was reported at nearby Modesto Airport.
Tree down across the westbound lane of SR88. There was a gust of 45 mph measured at Mount Zion RAWS.
California Highway Patrol reported a tree down on Latrobe Rd. There was a gust to 50 mph reported at the Bass Lake Road - El Dorado PGE gauge.
Tree down across SR120. There was a gust to 42 mph measured at Modesto Airport.
There were 2 trees reported down into powerlines by the California Highway Patrol. Winds gusted to 41 mph at Westover Field - Amador County Airport.
The California Highway Patrol reported 24 inches of standing water in the Number 1 lane on the transition ramp from Southbound Interstate 5 to Eastbound US Highway 50.
There was a large tree reported down across SR12. There was a gust to 38 mph measured at Mills Ave in eastern San Andreas.
There was a gust of 65 mph measured at 2ENE Carson Hill.
Tree down across Schell Rd. There was a gust to 42 mph measured at Modesto Airport.
Tree down across Mountain Ranch Rd. There was a gust of 65 mph measured at the Airola Road PGE station.
Tree and powerlines across the entire roadway of SR26. There was a gust of 40 mph measured at Barton PGE.
Tree down across Italian Bar Rd. There was a gust of 37 mph measured at nearby Columbia Airport.
There was a tree reported down blocking the roadway with communications lines down.
Trees and powerlines were down blocking SR193.
Roadway flooding near Woodbridge Rd. in Lodi, reported by the California Highway Patrol.
There was 1 foot of water in the westbound lane between State Route 12 and Evans Road near Valley Springs. Reported by the California Highway Patrol.
Mud and rocks on the road between Highway 49 and Highway 26 near Mokelumne Hill. Reported by the California Highway Patrol.
Highway 162 is closed between East Canal Road in Willows to Road O due to flooding. There's no estimated time to reopen the roadway. Additional road closures including CR 99W and CR 48 and SR 162 from Willows east to CR P.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Wind, Southern Sacramento Valley | 2023-01-07 | 40 | Female | Under Tree | Direct |
| Strong Wind, Southern Sacramento Valley | 2023-01-07 | 61 | Male | Under Tree | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in California in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for California, 2023Warnings in California, January 2023
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1078901, 1078916, 1078951, 1079169, 1078915, 1078918, 1078919, 1078921, 1078937, 1078930, 1079183, 1079189, 1078773, 1078775, 1078776, 1078778, 1078779, 1078781, 1078803, 1078805, 1078808, 1078810, 1078811, 1078813, 1078816, 1078817, 1078818, 1078820, 1078821, 1078822, 1078869, 1078836, 1078865, 1078867, 1078823, 1078860, 1078838, 1078837, 1078846, 1078852, and more.