Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to affect California, including the Modesto area, as moisture from Tropical Cyclone Priscilla moves north. The National Weather Service reports that although the cyclone is weakening west of the Baja Peninsula, its impact will still be felt across the state with widespread showers and thunderstorms.
“The system will produce rain with embedded thunderstorms over the Northwest and Northern California on Friday,” according to a news release from the National Weather Service on October 10.
Rain is forecast from Monday, October 13, through Wednesday, October 15. However, the exact timing and rainfall totals remain uncertain, according to a post by the National Weather Service on X.
Moisture from Tropical Cyclone Priscilla is expected to bring heavy rain, lightning, and thunder to parts of Northern California. The weather agency stated in a post on X that there is a 15% to 20% chance of isolated thunderstorms Monday evening.
The Modesto area could receive up to an inch of rain, with a 20% chance of that amount falling during Monday’s storms. The National Weather Service notes that flash floods can occur for several reasons but are most often triggered by heavy rain from thunderstorms. “Flash floods can occur so quickly that people are caught off-guard,” said the agency.
Flooding risk depends on factors such as rainfall location and intensity, land shape, soil type, and ground saturation. According to recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center as of October 10, there are currently no flash flood risks for Stanislaus County.
Stanislaus County is also expected to experience cooler temperatures as unsettled weather patterns develop. The latest forecast indicates clear skies and highs near 75 degrees on Friday with lows around 54 degrees. Winds are predicted at about 7 mph. Saturday’s temperatures will range from a high near 71 to a low around 51 degrees with gusts up to 20 mph. Sunday should remain sunny with highs near 74 and lows around 49 degrees.
Rain is expected after 11 a.m. Monday, October 13, continuing through Thursday, October 16.
The National Weather Service advises: “Remember: if you see a flash, dash inside,” when caught in a thunderstorm without access to safe shelter.
