Storm brings rain to Merced County, snow to nearby Stanislaus County
Merced County is being hit with rain and wind, as a storm systems passes Thursday through the Central Valley.
According to the National Weather Service, Merced was drenched with nearly a quarter of an inch of rain from about 1 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.
The rain started falling just before 1 p.m.
“The rain is expected to continue in the afternoon and early evening,” said meteorologist Brian Ochs with the National Weather Service in Hanford. “We’ve seen some gusty winds on the west side, especially on Pacheco Pass. The gusts have been as high as 30 to 45 mph.”
Stanislaus County even saw snow on Thursday.
California Highway Patrol officer Thomas Olsen sent The Modesto Bee photos and video of snow falling and sticking at the Stanislaus/Santa Clara County line in Del Puerto Canyon outside Patterson early Thursday afternoon. The site is about 1,500 feet above sea level, lower than most snow falls in the area.
The National Weather Service predicted rain and windy conditions, with heavy snowfall in the higher elevations. Forecasters predicted whiteout conditions along some mountain roads and possible “major travel impacts.”
The storm is expected to blow through by Thursday night.
According to Ochs, Friday should be clear with a high of 53 degrees. The same through the weekend with high expected of 55 on Saturday and 57 on Sunday.
Another storm is expected to come through early next week.
“There’s a slight chance of rain on Monday, but a better chance of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday morning,” Ochs said.
