Los Angeles, CA – A wetter pattern will take hold across California beginning Thursday, April 30, bringing repeated rounds of rain and increasing the risk of slower travel along major corridors including I-5, Highway 101, and I-80 through early May.
According to the National Weather Service, a series of Pacific systems will move onshore through Tuesday, May 6, pushing precipitation chances above normal statewide. Northern and central California, including Sacramento, Redding, and the Bay Area, could see multiple periods of steady rain, while Southern California experiences lighter but more frequent showers.
Commuters across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento should expect wet pavement and reduced visibility during peak travel times. Key routes such as I-5 through the Central Valley and Highway 101 along the coast may see periodic slowdowns, especially during heavier bursts of rain. In urban areas, brief ponding on roads could develop where drainage is limited.
In the Sierra Nevada, higher elevations will pick up consistent precipitation, leading to slick conditions along I-80 near Donner Pass and Highway 50. While temperatures remain mild overall, the combination of rain and elevation could create hazardous driving conditions at times, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
The Central Valley may also see localized water buildup in low-lying areas as repeated rainfall adds up over several days. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, avoid flooded roadways, and ensure vehicles are prepared for wet conditions.
This unsettled pattern is expected to persist through May 6, with additional waves of precipitation possible. Updates may refine rainfall totals and timing, but the risk of travel disruptions will remain elevated statewide through the period.
