A wet system brought periods of heavy rain with flooding. There was 1 to 2 feet of snow accumulated above 6,500 feet, locally higher on some peaks.
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 wet system brought periods of heavy rain with flooding. There was 1 to 2 feet of snow accumulated above 6,500 feet, locally higher on some peaks. Heavy rain fell bringing widespread roadway flooding, as well as local mudslides, flash flooding, with evacuations ordered in some areas. Thunderstorms with large hail, strong damaging winds and tornadoes were reported. Strong winds gusting to 55 to 75 mph brought down numerous trees and powerlines across the area, causing widespread and extended power outages.
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 Mar 9, 2:47 PM PST, 10 hours 8 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Sacramento CA 247 PM PST Thu Mar 9 2023 .SYNOPSIS... A warm storm system will bring moderate to heavy rain with flooding impacts to rivers, creeks, streams, and roadways at elevations below 4,000 feet, along with high elevation snow and strong winds. Isolated thunderstorms tonight through Saturday. Unsettled weather will continue through the weekend before another strong storm affects the region early next week. && .Discussion... Current radar shows widespread precipitation spreading inland across interior northern California this afternoon as the next weather system makes it's way into the region. Snow levels this afternoon will be around 2500 to 5000 feet, but are expected to rise quickly tonight, up to 6000 to 8500 feet by early Friday. Locally lower snow levels from lingering cold air are being observed such as the Redding area that could see some snow continue this afternoon. This evening into Friday will see the brunt of the storm, as the heaviest precipitation amounts are expected during this timeframe. Snow levels will lower over the weekend, back down to around 5000 to 7000 feet. Several feet of snow is expected through the Sunday, with the highest amounts above 7000 feet in the Sierra Nevada. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Coastal Range and Shasta County mountains through 1 AM PST tonight, and through 10 AM PDT Sunday for the western Plumas/Lassen Park and Sierra. Moderate to heavy rain will brings impacts to the Valley, foothills and mountains over the next few days. Flooding of roadways, rivers, creeks, streams, and other flood prone areas is likely, especially in areas that have poor drainage due to snow blocking storm drains and culverts. For elevations above 4000 to 5000 feet, the snow pack should be able to absorb much of the rain, although localized flooding is still possible from heavy rain on surfaces without snow, especially if snow is blocking drains and culverts. Through Sunday night, the Valley could see 1.50 to 3 inches of rain, with 3 to 8+ inches in the foothills and mountains. The heaviest amounts will be this evening into Friday, then becoming more showery. Moderate precipitation will still bring continued flooding concerns through the weekend. A Flood Watch remains in effect through Sunday morning for elevations below 4000 feet. Thunderstorms will also be possible tonight through Saturday in portions of the Valley, foothills and mountains. Lightning, gusty winds, heavy rain, small accumulating hail and funnel clouds will be possible with any thunderstorms that develop. Model soundings are indicating relatively impressive CAPE values, and at this point the better chances for perhaps longer-lived thunderstorms appear to be in the Sacramento metro area southward. Gusty southerly winds will develop this afternoon across the area, and persist into Friday. Wind gusts 40 to 55 mph are possible in the Valley and foothills, with stronger gusts in the mountains, 50 to 60 mph and locally higher up to 70 to 80 mph over the ridgetops in the Sierra Nevada. A Wind Advisory remains in effect from 4 pm PST this afternoon through 4 pm PST Friday. Current wind gusts across the area range from 10 to 30 mph but will increase over the next few hours. && .EXTENDED DISCUSSION (Monday THROUGH Thursday)... Cluster analysis and ensemble guidance indicate a wet and unsettled weather pattern to continue over the extended forecast period. Another storm system is forecast to impact the region early next week. At this point, the next storm is not trending as strong as the first system, however widespread moderate to locally heavy precipitation will bring renewed flooding concerns to interior northern California. Snow levels for the extended forecast period start off between 6000 to 7500 feet Monday, lowering to 4000-6000 feet Tuesday. Another round of breezy southerly winds look to return Monday into Tuesday next week, as suggested by the Extreme Forecast Index (EFI) and ensemble meteograms. Total precipitation for the next storm appears to be around 1 to 2.5 inches for the Valley and 2 to 5 inches for the foothills and mountains. Multiple feet of snow will be possible in the mountains, mainly above 6500 feet. Additional precipitation will be possible mid to late next week but confidence is lower as there is still uncertainty in the models. && .AVIATION... Widespread MVFR conditions in the Valley with LIFR/IFR conditions over the mountains will continue to develop through the afternoon as precipitation continues to spread inland. Snow levels 3000-5000 feet today, rising to 6000-8500 feet late tonight into Friday morning. Strongest southerly winds develop after 23Z Thursday, with gusts 30-40 kts in the Valley and 45-60 kts over the mountains. Winds will gradually decrease across the Valley between 10-12Z Friday, with light winds, generally less than 10 knots by 18-19Z Friday. Isolated thunderstorms possible after 06Z Friday. && .STO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Winter Storm Warning until 1 AM PST Friday for Carquinez Strait and Delta-Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County-Shasta Lake Area / Northern Shasta County-West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada-Western Plumas County/Lassen Park. Flood Watch through Sunday morning for Burney Basin / Eastern Shasta County-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- West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada-Western Plumas County/Lassen Park. Wind Advisory until 4 PM PST Friday 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-Southern Sacramento Valley-West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada-Western Plumas County/Lassen Park. &&
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA
655 PM PST THU MAR 9 2023
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0620 PM HEAVY SNOW REDDING 40.57N 122.36W
03/09/2023 M5.0 INCH SHASTA CA PUBLIC
5 INCHES OF SNOW REPORTED AT SUNDAIL BRIDGE
&&
JOHNNIE.POWELLPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA
707 PM PST THU MAR 9 2023
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0600 PM HEAVY SNOW ANDERSON 40.45N 122.29W
03/09/2023 M1.0 INCH SHASTA CA PUBLIC
1 INCH OF SNOW ON THE GROUND CORE OF THE CITY
&&
JOHNNIE.POWELLPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA
942 PM PST THU MAR 9 2023
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0600 PM HEAVY SNOW REDDING 40.57N 122.36W
03/09/2023 M5.0 INCH SHASTA CA PUBLIC
5 INCHES ON THE GROUND SOUTH REDDING CITY.
&&
JOHNNIE.POWELLThe Beale AFB radar (KBBX), 96 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 08:55 UTC.
31 flood, 4 flash flood, 3 hail, 2 thunderstorm wind, 2 funnel cloud, 1 winter storm, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
The California Highway patrol reported flooding of Interstate 80 west of the Cisco Road onramp. There were also other various other reports of flooding of on and off ramps along Interstate 80.
The California Highway Patrol reported flooding near the Corral Hollow Rd and West Linne Road near the creek. Water was reported to be over the roadway.
The California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding in both lanes of traffic along California Highway 4 at Bonanza Mine Way.
The California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding along southbound Interstate 505 offramp at County Road 19.
Heavy snow fell over high elevations, impacting travel at Sierra passes, causing chain controls and slow downs. Bear Valley Ski Resort measured 15 inches on the morning of the 10th, with a storm total through the 15th of 30.5 inches. Kirkwood Ski Resort measured 15 inches on the morning of the 10th, with a storm total through the 15th of 29 inches. Sugar Bowl Ski Resort measured 12 inches on the morning of the 10th, with a storm total through the 15th of 29 inches.
The public reported hail with hail stones up to an inch in Stockton. Time was estimated from radar.
The public reported hail up to quarter size along Highway 26 near Beyer Lane. Photos confirmed this. The Time was estimated by radar.
Tuolumne County Emergency Manager reported several trees and power poles down near the intersection of Martin Lane and Campo Seco Road. The Mount Elizabeth RAWS reported a maximum wind gusts of 61 mph.
Tuolumne County OES reported extensive tree damage at Woods Creek Mobile Home Park with 34 trees down.
Flash flooding was reported in the downtown area of Sonora due to heavy rain from a severe thunderstorm. Tuolumne County OES reported a creek flowing out of banks, and water flowing over Washington Street, impacting approximately 25 to 30 homes, 10 public buildings and 30 businesses.
Numerous hardwood trees snapped or uprooted. A wooden power pole snapped in half. NWS Storm Survey determined it to be rated EF-1 with 90 mph winds.
Tuolumne County Emergency Manager received multiple reports of a funnel cloud, observed along Campo Seco Road in Jamestown.
A trained spotter reported 1 inch hail in Downtown Sonora.
Calaveras County Sheriff Dispatch reported significant roadway flooding with two houses flooded in Copperopolis.
Tuolumne County Emergency Manager reported significant roadway flooding in the town of Tuolumne with creeks overflowing their banks.
California Highway Patrol in Stockton reported roadway flooding leading to the road closure near Filbert Street Off Ramp and Highway 4.
Calaveras County Public Works reported the closure of Cooper Cove Drive between Black Creek Drive and Cheyenne Road in Copperopolis due to severe road damage by flooding.
Caltrans District 10 reported a mudslide on State Route 49 between Fairview Lane and Mill Villa Court in Sonora due to heavy rain.
A National Weather Service employee as well as multiple reports on social media confirmed a funnel cloud east of Tracy at 1321 PDT. The time and location was estimated from radar.
Law enforcement reported roadway flooding across all lanes at State Route 120 West and Interstate 5 South.
Caltrans District 2 initiated 24-hour traffic control on State Route 89 between Moccasin and Indian Falls due to heavy rain leading to a slide.
The California Highway Patrol reported mud, dirt and rock along the southbound lane of State Highway 49 near the SR 193 junction.
The California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide in the roadway between Old Auburn Foresthill Road and Mammoth Bar Road.
California Highway Patrol reported flooding near Twin Cities Road and Hardesty Lane.
Glenn County OES reported numerous road closures across the county due to flooding, including County Road FF from CR 9 to CR 200, County Road G from CR 9 to CR 200, County Road 25 from CR F to CR H, County Road 67 from CR Z to Butte County.
Kiefer Blvd closed at Highway 16 due to water on the roadway.
California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding at Winding Way and Walnut Avenue, with the entire lane flooded.
Broadcast media reported roadway flooding between Fifield Road and Pleasant Grove Road.
California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding near Flores Avenue.
The California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide between China Gulch Drive and Canyon Road.
California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding between River Road and Chico River Road.
California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding near Whitmore Road.
California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding between Antelope Boulevard and Gilmore Road.
California Highway Patrol reported water overflowing the roadway and going into houses at Main Street and Trefoil Lane.
Sacramento Fire reported a water rescue via rescue boats of two adults and a dog that were trapped inside of a makeshift shelter. No injuries.
California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding at the corner of Live Oak Road and Willard Road west of Red Bluff.
The California Highway Patrol reported flooding across SR 108 where the roadway dips down.
California Highway Patrol reported substantial flooding across the roadway, leading to the closure of the roadway near Gas Point Road and Park Drive.
California Highway Patrol reported substantial flooding across the roadway, leading to the closure of the roadway near Gas Point Road and Park Drive.
California Highway Patrol reported substantial flooding across the roadway, leading to the closure of the roadway near Gas Point Road and Park Drive.
The California Highway Patrol reported water across the Interstate 5 on-ramp.
Broadcast media reported mandatory evacuation orders for the commercial trailer park called Loveys Landing due to flooding near the Sacramento River.
The California Highway Patrol reported water rushing across the roadway at Whitmore Road and Cow Creek Road.
California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding at Dersch Road and Hyrax Road.
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, March 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: 1088315, 1088318, 1088319, 1090543, 1090538, 1090235, 1090554, 1090238, 1090239, 1090187, 1090237, 1090233, 1090236, 1090189, 1090191, 1090198, 1090540, 1090201, 1090234, 1090202, 1090205, 1090544, 1090545, 1090212, 1090215, 1090549, 1090219, 1090220, 1090221, 1090550, 1090222, 1090223, 1090224, 1090225, 1090230, 1090226, 1090551, 1090227, 1090228, 1090229, and more.