Flooding and Heavy Snow in California, February 4 to 7, 2024

Name: Flooding and Heavy Snow in California, February 4 to 7, 2024
Start: 2024-02-04T00:00
End: 2024-02-07T07:20
Location: California

February 4 to 7, 2024 · NWS STO · 31 events in 22 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 4
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $1.3 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 31

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS STO wrote it up.

A major winter storm moved in from the south on February 4th, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy mountain snow through February 7th. Damaging winds brought down trees and caused widespread power outages. Flooding and strong winds resulted in multiple fatalities. Chain controls were observed in the mountains. Heavy rain brought nuisance flooding on roads and urban areas and rises to rivers, creeks and streams, with generally 1 to 3 inches of storm total rain reported across the Valley and foothills.

What forecasters said that day

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 Feb 3, 2:33 PM PST, 9 hours 27 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 3, 2:33 PM PST, 9 hours 27 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
233 PM PST Sat Feb 3 2024

.Synopsis...
A few lingering showers today. Next storm moves in late tonight
bringing periods of heavy snow over the mountains, widespread
moderate to heavy rain at the lower elevations, isolated
thunderstorms, and strong, gusty southerly winds through early
next week.

&&

.Discussion...
Afternoon radar imagery shows a few showers over the mountains.
Otherwise, the next storm system will bring periods of moderate
to heavy precipitation tonight through early next week as it taps
into deep moisture. Hi-Res models and HREF show precipitation
spreading northward tonight into Sunday. NBM probabilities of
exceeding 2 inches of precipitation range from 40-60% in the
Valley, with 70-95% probabilities over the foothills and
mountains. WPC guidance indicates 1.5-3 inches of precipitation
across the Valley, and 2 to 4 inches in the foothills from tonight
through Tuesday, leading to concerns for roadway ponding and
flooding of urban and poor drainage areas. Heaviest precipitation
is still expected on Sunday. A Flood Watch remains in effect from
Sunday morning through early Tuesday morning. Isolated
thunderstorms are possible Sunday and Monday across portions of
the Valley, Delta, and foothills, with the latest NBM depicting a
15-30% probability of thunderstorm development. Any thunderstorms
that develop could produce heavy rain, small hail, gusty winds,
and lightning.

Heavy mountain snow is expected tonight, through early this week.
Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for portions of the Coast
Range, Shasta County, Western Plumas/Lassen Park and northern
Sierra Nevada, including I-5, I-80, Highway 50, and others. For
the Shasta/Coast area, total snow amounts of 1 to 3 feet above
3500 feet are expected, with 2 to 5 inches in the lower
elevations. Snow levels will be 2000 to 3000 feet Sunday morning,
increasing to 3500 to 4500 feet by Monday morning. For the Sierra,
snow accumulations of 2 to 4 feet are expected, with up to 5 to 6
feet at the higher mountain peaks. Southerly winds gusting as
high as 65 mph will be possible. Snow levels will be 3000 to 4000
feet initially, increasing to 4500 to 6500 feet by Sunday
afternoon and 4000 to 5000 feet on Monday. HREF indicates snowfall
rates up to 1-3" per hour. Difficult to impossible mountain
travel with snow-covered roads, chain controls, whiteout
conditions, and road closures will all be possible. Mountain
travel is highly discouraged while the Warnings are in effect.

The Extreme Forecast Index (EFI) continues to highlight anomalous
winds for much of the forecast area as pressure gradient tightens,
particularly for areas near I-80 southward. There is a 70-100%
chance of wind gusts greater than 40 mph for most areas, and a
30-80% chance of wind gusts greater than 55 mph for areas bear
I-80 southward. Southeasterly wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph are
expected, with local gusts up to 65-70 mph. Blown objects, downed
trees, difficult driving conditions, and power outages are
possible. The Wind Advisory has been upgraded to a High Wind
Warning for the Delta, most of the Valley, and the Sierra
foothills from Sunday morning through early Monday.

People should remain weather aware this weekend, and always be
checking the weather forecast at weather.gov, and road conditions
at quickmap.dot.ca.gov before heading out the door.

&&

.EXTENDED DISCUSSION (Wednesday THROUGH Saturday)...
Ensembles and cluster analysis continue to indicate that the
aforementioned upper-level low will shift eastward by mid week
next week. Leaving in it's wake, northwesterly flow, which will
leave the door open for weak shortwaves to move into the PacNW and
Northern CA; keeping the possibility of isolated to scattered
showers in the forecast through late next week. The first
shortwave would move through sometime Wednesday with another
slightly stronger one Thursday-Friday. Confidence in exactly where
these shortwaves will dig and the exact timing is fairly low
right now. Regardless, the moisture associated with these
shortwaves looks limited, so any impacts will likely be minimal,
especially in comparison to those expected in the short term. This
can be highlighted when looking at the NBM probabilities of
>0.50" from 12Z Thu-12Z Sat is less than 20% chance of
precipitation in the Valley and a 30-50% chance in the foothills.
Additionally, there is a 20 to 40% chance of 4.00" or more of
snowfall above 3500 feet in the Sierra and Southern Cascades.
Since we will continue to have northwesterly flow, snow levels
will remain fairly through through the extended, fluctuating
between 3000-5000 feet. As per usual, details will become more
clear as we get closer in time.

//Peters

&&

.AVIATION...
Mostly VFR conditions across interior NorCal this afternoon.Periods
Light winds expected across the region through most of today,
remaining generally below 10 knots across the Valley. Periods of
MVFR/IFR will spread across the region from southwest northward
across the Valley with the onset of rain/showers tonight through
Sunday. In addition to rain/snow and low ceilings, winds will
begin to increase to our southwest, spreading northward overnight
tonight, with widespread strong, gusty southerly winds of 40-55
mph by early Sunday morning. Airport Weather Warnings have been
issued for KRDD (06Z Sun-15Z Mon) & KSCK (12Z Sun-08Z Mon) due to
strong southerly winds gusts.

&&

.STO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Winter Storm Warning from 4 AM Sunday to 10 AM PST Monday for
Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County-
Shasta Lake Area / Northern Shasta County.

Winter Storm Warning from 10 PM this evening to 4 AM PST Tuesday
for Burney Basin / Eastern Shasta County-West Slope Northern
Sierra Nevada-Western Plumas County/Lassen Park.

Flood Watch from Sunday morning through late Monday night for
Carquinez Strait and Delta-Central Sacramento Valley-Motherlode-
Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley-Northern Sacramento Valley-
Northern San Joaquin Valley-Southern Sacramento Valley.

High Wind Warning from 9 AM Sunday to 10 AM PST Monday for
Central Sacramento Valley-Mountains Southwestern Shasta County
to Western Colusa County-Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley-
Northern Sacramento Valley.

High Wind Warning from 2 AM Sunday to 4 AM PST Monday for
Carquinez Strait and Delta-Motherlode-Northern San Joaquin
Valley-Southern Sacramento Valley.

&&

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

19 flood, 7 high wind, 4 heavy snow, 1 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Heavy Snow, Mt Shasta/Western Plumas County

When: February 4, 12:00 AM PST to February 6, 10:00 PM PST
Where: Mt Shasta/Western Plumas County forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

The sensor at Lower Lassen Peak reported 14.9 inches in 24-hours ending the morning of February 5th. Two CoCoRaHS in Chester reported total snow amounts of 6.4 and 7 inches. The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center estimated storm total snow amounts of 10 to 48 inches over the Western Plumas County and Lassen National Park Area.

Heavy Snow, West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada

When: February 4, 12:00 AM PST to February 7, 7:00 AM PST
Where: West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways

Caltrans reported snow amounts of 13 to 22 inches over 48 hours. Ski resorts reported storm total snow amounts of 22 to 34 inches. The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center estimated storm total snow amounts of 12 to 48 inches.

Heavy Snow, Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County

When: February 4, 12:00 AM PST to February 6, 12:00 AM PST
Where: Mountains Southwestern Shasta County to Western Colusa County forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Nearby CoCoRaHS reported storm total snow amounts of 3 inches, 6.9 miles east-southeast of Douglas City. The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center estimated storm total snow amounts of 4 to 30 inches.

Heavy Snow, Shasta Lake/North Shasta County

When: February 4, 12:00 AM PST to February 6, 12:00 AM PST
Where: Shasta Lake/North Shasta County forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Nearby CoCoRaHS at similar elevations reported snow amounts of 1 to 10 inches. The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center estimated storm total snow amounts of 2 to 18 inches, locally up to 24 inches at the highest peaks.

Flood, Sutter

When: February 4, 12:00 AM PST to February 6, 12:00 AM PST
Where: Sutter County, 5.65 mi E of Tisdale to 3.89 mi ESE of Tisdale
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.041, -121.676

Sutter County OES reported the closure of Highway 99 to Highway 113 due to flooding from heavy rain. At least 5 other roads were closed within the county.

Flood, Stanislaus

When: February 4, 12:00 AM PST to February 6, 12:00 AM PST
Where: Stanislaus County, 1.47 mi S of Hickman to 2.08 mi NNW of Montpelier
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.599, -120.748

Stanislaus County OES reported the closure of Montpelier Road from Keyes to Whitmore due to flooding. At least 8 other roads within the county were closed due to flooding. Minor street and residential flooding were also reported.

Flood, Glenn

When: February 4, 12:00 AM PST to February 6, 12:00 AM PST
Where: Glenn County, 0.27 mi NNW of Willows Glenn Co Arp to 0.25 mi SSW of Willows Glenn Co Arp
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $395,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.524, -122.222

Glenn County OES reported the closure of Willows-Glenn County Airport taxiway and runway due to flooding and debris, with damage to the shoulder. Damage, culvert failure, and temporary closure of multiple county roads. There were 8 water rescues within the county as well with this event. The Glenn County Landfill infrastructure was also damaged from flooding and erosion.

Strong Wind, Mt Shasta/Western Plumas County

When: February 4, 4:00 AM PST to February 5, 3:00 PM PST
Where: Mt Shasta/Western Plumas County forecast zone
Measured: 32 kt (37 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree on power lines on Meadow Ranch Road and Thatcher Mill Road with power lines lying across the roadway.

High Wind, Southern Sacramento Valley

When: February 4, 6:00 AM PST to February 5, 12:00 PM PST
Where: Southern Sacramento Valley forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 2 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $400,000
Reported by: ASOS

Mather Field Airport reported a wind gust of 68 mph. Sacramento International Airport reported a wind gust of 64 mph. McClellan Airfield reported sustained winds of 43 mph with gusts to 59 mph, and a max gust of 66 mph. Vacaville Nut Tree Airport reported a gust of 59 mph. Numerous reports of downed power lines and trees across the area, closing roads and damaging cars. Sacramento County OES reported two fatalities from fallen trees, over 200,000 power outages, roof damages to airport facilities, multiple downed trees and road and park closures. The City of Sacramento estimated $350,000 total combined cost for storm damage. Yolo County OES reported over 4,000 power outages, school closures, and downed trees.

High Wind, Carquinez Strait and Delta

When: February 4, 6:00 AM PST to February 5, 12:00 PM PST
Where: Carquinez Strait and Delta forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS

Fairfield/Travis Air Force Base reported a max wind gust of 63 mph.

High Wind, Northern San Joaquin Valley

When: February 4, 6:00 AM PST to February 5, 12:00 PM PST
Where: Northern San Joaquin Valley forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: ASOS

Stockton Airport reported a max gust of 60 mph. Modesto Airport reported a max gust of 55 mph. California Highway Patrol reported multiple power lines down, downed trees, and road closures. Stanislaus County OES reported short-term power outages from the high winds.

High Wind, Central Sacramento Valley

When: February 4, 6:00 AM PST to February 5, 3:00 PM PST
Where: Central Sacramento Valley forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: ASOS

Local broadcast media reported the death of an elderly man that was killed when a large redwood tree fell on his home and crushed him. Around the time of the report, Marysville Airport reported a gust of 53 mph. Yuba County Airport reported a wind gust of 68 mph at 6:29 pm, about an hour later. Oroville Airport reported a max wind gust of 70 mph. Sutter County OES reported 4 schools closed with over 11,000 customers without power and proclaimed a local emergency. Butte County OEM proclaimed a local emergency due to wind damage, as hundreds of trees were downed leading to outages, road closures, and property damage.

High Wind, Motherlode/Camptonville to Groveland

When: February 4, 6:00 AM PST to February 5, 12:00 PM PST
Where: Motherlode/Camptonville to Groveland forecast zone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported numerous downed trees and power lines due to high wind. A station in Placerville recorded a max gust of 64 mph. Nevada County Air Park reported a max gust of 52 mph. Calaveras Airport reported a max gust of 51 mph. Calaveras County OES reported scattered power outages throughout the county, removal of 55 downed trees from county roads, and 1 tree on a home. Tuolumne County OES reported multiple downed trees along roadways. Nevada County OES reported widespread power outages and downed trees across roads and into structures, with moderate impacts to telecommunications. El Dorado County OES reported 40 calls for service related to trees and wires down, at least 5 buildings struck by trees, and 1 uninjured person trapped in a mobile home from a tree on top of the home.

High Wind, Northern Sacramento Valley

When: February 4, 6:00 AM PST to February 5, 3:00 PM PST
Where: Northern Sacramento Valley forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: ASOS

Redding Municipal Airport reported a max gust of 55 mph. Red Bluff Airport reported a max gust of 51 mph. California Highway Patrol reported downed powerlines touching the roadway at Lee Street and Clara Court.

High Wind, Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley

When: February 4, 6:00 AM PST to 3:00 PM PST
Where: Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley forecast zone
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: RAWS

Jarbo Gap RAWS reported a max gust of 75 mph. Cohasset RAWS reported a max gust of 62 mph. California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree and powerlines along Cement Hill Road and Gochine Drive.

Flood, Yolo

When: February 4, 8:00 AM PST to 8:00 PM PST
Where: Yolo County, 2.14 mi NNW of Swingle to 2.42 mi N of Swingle
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.560, -121.640

Caltrans reported roadway flooding on Interstate 80 West.

Flood, Yolo

When: February 4, 8:51 AM PST to 9:51 PM PST
Where: Yolo County, 0.69 mi S of Bryte to 0.28 mi SSE of Bryte
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.570, -121.550

Caltrans reported roadway flooding on Highway 50 East and Harbor Boulevard On-Ramp.

Flood, Solano

When: February 4, 10:13 AM PST to 10:13 PM PST
Where: Solano County, 1.29 mi WNW of Fairfield to 1.07 mi WNW of Fairfield
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.260, -122.070

California Highway Patrol reported flooding of both lanes at 3050 Travis Boulevard.

Flood, Yolo

When: February 4, 12:16 PM PST to 8:16 PM PST
Where: Yolo County, 3.19 mi N of Madison to 3.02 mi N of Madison
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.725, -121.960

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding and an incident involving a car hydroplaning.

Flood, Yolo

When: February 4, 2:46 PM PST to February 5, 6:46 AM PST
Where: Yolo County, 1.08 mi W of Woodland Muni Arpt to 0.72 mi W of Woodland Muni Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.670, -121.890

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding between Wildwing Drive and State Route 16 in Woodland.

Flood, Yolo

When: February 4, 3:04 PM PST to February 5, 7:04 AM PST
Where: Yolo County, 0.88 mi SE of Esparto to 1.09 mi SSE of Esparto
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.690, -122.010

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding at State Route 16 and County Road 86A in Woodland.

Flood, Yuba

When: February 4, 9:17 PM PST to February 5, 9:17 AM PST
Where: Yuba County, 2.12 mi SE of (Myv)marysville Arpt to 2.34 mi SE of (Myv)marysville Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.080, -121.540

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding of both lanes of State Route 70 West and McGowan Parkway On-Ramp.

Flood, Tehama

When: February 4, 10:03 PM PST to February 5, 10:03 AM PST
Where: Tehama County, 3.17 mi W of Proberta to 2.77 mi SW of Rawson
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 40.080, -122.230

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding of Rawson Road and Flores Avenue.

Flood, Sacramento

When: February 5, 1:27 AM PST to 3:27 PM PST
Where: Sacramento County, 1.28 mi WSW of Elk Grove to 1.14 mi SW of Elk Grove
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.410, -121.390

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding of lanes 3 and 4 on State Route 99 and Elk Grove Boulevard.

Flood, Butte

When: February 5, 1:44 AM PST to 1:44 PM PST
Where: Butte County, 2.65 mi E of Anita to 2.62 mi E of Anita
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.820, -121.920

California Highway Patrol reported flooding of State Route 99 and Meridian Road Northbound due to heavy rain.

Flood, Yolo

When: February 5, 2:15 AM PST to February 6, 10:15 AM PST
Where: Yolo County, 2.09 mi N of Madison to 3.25 mi NE of Capay
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.710, -121.966

California Highway Patrol reported closure of a 100-200 yard stretch of Highway 505 northbound in Woodland between Interstate 5 and Highway 16 due to flooding from heavy rain.

Flood, Nevada

When: February 5, 2:29 AM PST to 4:29 PM PST
Where: Nevada County, Nevada City to 0.5 mi S of Nevada City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.270, -121.020

California Highway Patrol reported completely flooded roads along Highway 49 northbound at State Route 20.

Flood, Nevada

When: February 5, 2:32 AM PST to 12:32 PM PST
Where: Nevada County, 0.54 mi E of Alta Hill to 0.39 mi E of Alta Hill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.230, -121.070

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding at Alta Street and Alta Hill Mine Road from heavy rain.

Flood, Nevada

When: February 5, 4:10 AM PST to 4:10 PM PST
Where: Nevada County, 2.33 mi SSW of The Oaks to 2.15 mi SSW of The Oaks
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 39.190, -121.100

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding on McCourtney Road and Thoroughbred Loop.

Flood, Placer

When: February 5, 6:26 AM PST to 3:26 PM PST
Where: Placer County, 0.69 mi S of Penryn to 0.64 mi S of Penryn
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.840, -121.170

California Highway Patrol reported that the off ramp and ramp is under water on Interstate 80 West and Penryn Road.

Flood, Placer

When: February 7, 7:20 AM PST
Where: Placer County, 5.44 mi W of Lincoln Muni Arpt to 4.87 mi W of Lincoln Muni Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.897, -121.451

California Highway Patrol and Placer County OES reported a fatality of a driver that drove through standing water on a flooded road, lost control, and flipped the vehicle, coming to a rest in standing water on Nicolaus Road near Marcum Road.

The people who died

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
High Wind, Southern Sacramento Valley	2024-02-04	41	Male	Under Tree	Direct
High Wind, Southern Sacramento Valley	2024-02-04	63	Female	Under Tree	Direct
High Wind, Central Sacramento Valley	2024-02-04	82	Male	Under Tree	Direct
Flood, Placer	2024-02-07			In Water	Direct

What these are

Heavy Snow: Snowfall reaching the local warning threshold without the other hazards of a winter storm.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in California in 2024 Every state in 2024 This day in weather history Warnings in California, February 2024

Sources

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: 1162621, 1162622, 1162806, 1162808, 1162879, 1162889, 1162895, 1162809, 1162818, 1162819, 1162821, 1162823, 1162840, 1162850, 1162868, 1162545, 1162544, 1162543, 1162542, 1162541, 1162540, 1162538, 1162537, 1162536, 1162535, 1162534, 1162533, 1162532, 1162531, 1162530, 1162900.