LAKE COUNTY — Expect rainy days, gusts in southern Lake County and chances of snow at elevations above 2,000 feet through Sunday, this storm system will bring more than an inch of rain, beginning Thursday morning through mid-day Friday. Another storm system is expected Saturday, bringing another one-half inch of rain, according to weather forecaster George Cline with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. The office oversees six weather observation points in the county or on the county”s borders.
“This is the worst of the storm,” Cline said Thursday afternoon. “The heaviest rains will be over by 4 or 5 p.m. Thursday.” The sun will likely come out on Monday, with a temperature high of 50 degrees, he said.
Low-lying areas of Lake County are prone to flooding as the rains continue, and snow storm watches have been issued for the mountains surrounding the county. A high wind advisory of gusts reaching 30 mph was placed on the southern portions of the county by the National Weather Service for Thursday evening, but the advisory is likely to end Friday.
The two storm systems, the first lasting from Thursday to Friday, and another expected Saturday and ending Sunday, will likely result in nearly two inches of rain for the county, Cline said.
California Highway Patrol Officer Josh Dye said drivers should exhibit extra caution when driving in inclement weather, citing a new law that went into effect last year requiring motorists to turn on headlights when windshield wipers are needed.
“Regardless of the new law in place, people should drive slowly and turn on their lights to help be visible and help keep people safe out on the road?If the wipers are in continuous use, you have to have lights on,” Dye said, adding that not having lights on is a citable offense.
Nancy Braman, a citizen who reported heavy rains in Clearlake Thursday, said about one out of 10 drivers she observed on roadways had no headlights turned on. “People drive crazy enough as it is, they need to take extra precautions in this weather. I think people need a reminder to use their lights, this goes for trucks too,” Braman said.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com
