Winter weather in Northern California can be unpredictable. We have gathered the information below to help keep track of weather reports and local conditions, please see the links/information below:
Regional Information
Our partners at California Highway Patrol have their radio traffic HERE, be sure to choose Sacramento under communication centers.
Road closures and maps can be accessed through CalTrans HERE
Alerts are available from your emergency jurisdictions by email and text by signing up through Yolo Alerts HERE
Local Conditions/ Information
Keep track of weather conditions that may impact your area HERE
County road conditions can be accessed HERE
Local conditions can also be tracked by following local emergency jurisdiction social media pages and local news sources.
What is the difference between an advisory, a watch, and a warning?
Advisories, watches, and warnings can be used to indicate both time frames and the severity of conditions. It is important to familiarize yourself with the various definitions in order to prepare your family for any dangerous conditions that may arise.
Advisories or Outlooks: are issued when the potential exists for an event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event, such as public utility staff, emergency managers and public health officials. An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat to life.
Watches: are issued when conditions are favorable for an event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of an event has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. A Watch provides enough lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so, such as cities officials who have event mitigation plans.
Warnings: are issued when an event is expected in the next 36 hours. These products are issued when an event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life.
Driving in Winter Weather
Drive at speeds safe for conditions. Wet roads and hard braking can cause people to lose traction and spin out of control because their speeds were unsafe for roadway conditions. Remember to:
Keep a safe distance while following a vehicle.
Keep a light touch on the brake and gas peddles. Gently decelerate to slow down, especially on turns. Don’t accelerate too hard to avoid fishtailing.
During heavy rains, use your windshield wipers and turn on your headlights (don’t forget to turn them off after you park).
Whenever possible, safely avoid puddles as it could cause a loss of traction, the vehicle could go into a pothole, or water could splash and cause internal damage to your electrical system. If you cannot safely pass a puddle, carefully slow down
Never drive around road closures / through flooded areas. You cannot tell if the roadway is safe or the water depth. A car can float with only two feet of water, remember to “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Go over your vehicle’s safety equipment
• Make sure your windshield wipers are functioning properly
• Replace old brittle wipers
• Check your tires for proper tread depth.
• Ensure all your lights are working, i.e., headlights, taillights and brake lights.
