EF0 tornado, Merritt to Hebron, California, February 28, 2014

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA
404 PM PST Fri Feb 28 2014

.Synopsis...
Widespread showers and isolated to scattered thunderstorms
across the area through this evening. Precipitation will taper
off overnight tonight. Isolated to scattered showers may linger
into Saturday. Unsettled weather continues Sunday into next week
with periods of precipitation...especially over the Interstate 80
corridor and north.

&&

.Discussion...
Low pressure system gradually moving southeast offshore of
California and disturbances moving around the low are rotating
through Northern California. This is bringing waves of
precipitation through the area today. Thunderstorms are possible
into this evening possibly bringing heavy rain, strong winds,
hail and localized flooding. Moderate to heavy precipitation has
led to local flooding with ponding of water on roadways and in low
lying areas and rises in small streams. An urban and small stream
flood advisory is valid through 715 pm. The instability should
decrease after sunset decreasing the threat of thunderstorms.
Precipitation should taper off overnight. Snow levels are around
4500 to 5500 feet but may be locally lower with heavier showers.
A winter weather advisory continues until 10 pm for the Sierra
with additional snow accumulation to around 6 inches this
afternoon and evening. Motorists should be prepared for winter
driving conditions and check CalTrans for chain controls and road
updates. Precipitation amounts will vary due to the convective
nature of the storms, so locally higher amounts are possible.
Scattered showers may linger during the day tomorrow but will
taper off by evening as the low weakens and moves onshore into
Southern California. This will bring a break in precipitation for most
places...especially the valley Saturday afternoon and night.

Temperatures are in the mid 50s in the valley this afternoon and
30s to 40s in the mountains...which is about 3 to 8 degrees below
normal for this time of year. Temperatures will generally warm up
a few degrees on Saturday and Sunday bringing max temperatures closer
to normal for this time of year. Temperatures are generally
expected to be near to a little above normal for this time of year
next week.

A couple disturbances may move through fairly zonal flow over the
area Sunday and Monday bringing a chance of showers...especially
around the Interstate 80 corridor and North. Another low pressure
system may dip down into the area Wednesday night into Thursday
bringing a better chance of precipitation across the entire area.
Weak ridge builds in behind this low for a dry day on Friday.

&&

.Aviation...

Cold frontal system currently moving through northern California.
Expect periods of showers, occasionally heavy, through this
evening then becoming more isolated Saturday. Isolated TSRA
possible generally south of KOVE this evening. VFR to IFR
conditions should be expected in SHRA across the Valley through
Saturday, with widespread IFR/LIFR conditions over the mountains.

Across the Valley, south winds around 5-15 kt through early
evening. Over the mountains, SW wind gusts up to 45 kts through
today. Lighter south winds overnight and Saturday.

Dang

&&

.STO Watches/Warnings/Advisories...
Winter weather advisory until 10 pm pst this evening above 6000
feet in the west slope northern sierra nevada...western plumas
county/lassen park.

Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory until 715 pm

&&

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA
515 PM PST FRI FEB 28 2014

...TIME...  ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
...DATE...  ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0500 PM     HEAVY RAIN       1 ESE LINCOLN           38.90N 121.31W
02/28/2014  M1.52 INCH       PLACER             CA   TRAINED SPOTTER

            HEAVY RAIN DURATION 24 HOURS OBSERVER
            LOCATION LINCOLN

&&

NWS SACRAMENTO CA
IRIS SYSTEM