Strong winds possible this week

Showers slated for next weekend

It looks like North Valley residents can expect strong north to east winds to pick up between Monday and Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service, those winds were expected to start picking up late Sunday afternoon into the evening.

The strongest winds will be Monday night through Tuesday. These winds could cause impacts to recent burn areas as well as power outages due to downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines. Forecasters say there is still some uncertainty on the forecasted wind strength, so residents should stay tuned for forecast updates.

Forecasters say that those living on the west side of the valley and the Delta regions should see increasing winds starting Sunday night.

By Monday morning, valley areas could see gusts between 25-40 MPH, while foothill areas could see gusts between 20-45 mph. Forecasters also say mountain areas are expected to see gusts between 35-55 mph with locally higher gusts on favored ridges.

Monday night into Tuesday winds in valley areas could gust between 30-50 mph with the potential higher wind gusts locally. Foothill areas should see gusts similar to what they are forecasted to see Monday, with locally higher winds in favored canyons and gaps.

However, on Tuesday, mountain areas could see gusts up to 40-60 mph locally and up to 80plus in favored gaps, canyons and ridge tops.

By late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, those winds should decrease especially in valley areas while the winds will remain gusty over the ridges.

According to the NWS, the winds could make driving conditions difficult especially for highprofile vehicles.

Potential impacts include downed power lines and trees. The National Weather Service also says the weekend or burning trees and limbs could fall in strong winds.

By Friday, the NWS expects a change in the weather pattern with cooler temperatures and a chance for showers in the mountains over the weekend.