California is associated with sunny days, dry air, and a comfortable Mediterranean climate for most of the year. However, during certain periods of the year, storms and rainfall take over the sky, leading to a perpetually wet climate.
If you are visiting California during the winter months, specifically, the chances of you being able to witness the storms are pretty high. Be it the snowstorms or the thrashing Pacific storms, there are quite a few you might experience.
For those curious, this guide will walk you through the list of California’s top 10 stormiest cities based on their storm frequency.
1. Eureka
Average Annual Storm Days: 85+
Eureka is located along the northern coast of California and is one of the state’s stormiest cities. The city receives over 40 inches of annual rainfall, and the storms are usually driven by Pacific moisture and frequent low-pressure systems. Also, since the coast of Humboldt Bay is located quite close, that’s another reason behind the high storm activity, with winds often exceeding 50 mph during the major storms. During winter, the combination of relentless rain, fog, and wind makes the city quite vulnerable.
2. Crescent City
Average Annual Storm Days: 80+
Up next on the list of the stormiest cities in California is Crescent City, which is located south of the Oregon border. The city experiences a lot of fluctuations in the atmospheric pressure, experiencing Pacific storms quite often. Usually, the harbor area and Battery Point Lighthouse region bear the brunt of these storms. Over the last few decades, torrential rainfall and storms have also impacted a lot of the surrounding coastal infrastructure, damaging it severely. The strong wind gusts during the storms also make this city one of the windiest in the city.
3. Redding
Average Annual Storm Days: 65+
Redding is located in northern California, and the period between November and March is usually when the storms are the worst. Although the city isn’t located close to the coast, it is often impacted by the Pineapple Express storms, which are caused by the Pacific moisture moving inland. This, in turn, contributes to intense rainfall and sometimes snow in the mountainous areas. The storm’s intensity is usually more grave around the western hills and along the Sacramento River, with risks of flash flooding every now and then.
4. Santa Rosa
Average Annual Storm Days: 60–65
Santa Rosa is one of the largest cities in Sonoma County, and every year, the city gets battered by ongoing winter storms, which funnel through Northern California. Not just sustained rainfall, these extensive storms also bring hail at times, especially along the Bennett Valley corridor. Also, the areas around the Russian River occasionally experience a heavy flooding risk, especially during these storms. Despite the ongoing development, the urban provinces in Santa Rosa are often vulnerable to runoff and flash floods.
5. South Lake Tahoe
Average Annual Storm Days: 60
South Lake Tahoe is another one of the stormiest cities in California. It is located at an elevation of 6000 feet and experiences snowstorms, blizzards, and powerful winds, especially between November and April. The most hit of the storms are usually experienced along the Sierra Ridge mountains, where it experiences extreme storm activity, sometimes with snowfall rates of 2–4 inches per hour during major blizzards. Also, during the storms, South Lake Tahoe often grapples with whiteout conditions and road closures, primarily during the winter seasons.
6. Arcata
Average Annual Storm Days: 75+
Located north of Eureka, Arcata experiences some of the highest rainfalls in California. Since the city is close to the coastline, the Pacific storm systems are frequent there. Besides storms, heavy winds and rains are pretty standard too. From late fall through early spring, the storms are ongoing and are sometimes followed by fog. The Arcata Marsh and Humboldt Bay area regularly experience storm surges and high tides that flood walking trails and damage wetlands. Also, the western edge of the town experiences significant flooding.
7. San Francisco
Average Annual Storm Days: 60
The stormiest season in San Francisco spans from November to March. The total rainfall experienced during this period is substantially moderate compared to the other northern cities in California. However, the shifts in atmospheric pressure and river events are pretty alarming. The Sunset District and Ocean Beach areas absorb the brunt of Pacific storms due to their west-facing orientation. During the peak storm season, the winds often reach up to 60 mph velocity and bring torrential downpours. In some low-lying neighborhoods like the Mission District, flash flooding is common during this time.
8. Fort Bragg
Average Annual Storm Days: 70
Located on the Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg also experiences a lot of storms throughout the year. North Pacific storm tracks are pretty common, too. During this period, the weather was experiencing high waves, gale-force winds, and steady rainfall, especially during winter. The area around the coastal cliffs and Noyo Headlands often experiences the wrath of intense storm effects, with frequent cliffside erosion and coastal flooding. Beyond that, sometimes, even the fog intensifies in these areas. Since it is a quaint town, inevitable flooding often impacts the infrastructure around it.
9. Truckee
Average Annual Storm Days: 55–60
Due to its high elevation and proximity to Donner Pass, Truckee is another common city that experiences heavy rainfall and intense storms, especially snowstorms. It is thus regarded as one of the snowiest places in the state. The high snowfall rates also contribute to low temperatures, making it difficult to have visibility while driving. Donner Pass can receive over 400 inches of snow every winter, making it a hotspot for avalanches and other risks. If you are visiting Truckee during the storm season, consider exploring the downtown area, where you will find cozy cafes and eateries, surrounded by snow.
10. Sacramento
Average Annual Storm Days: 55
Last on the list of the stormiest cities in California is Sacramento. It isn’t a coastal city but it experiences extensive rainfall due to the inland-moving storms and atmospheric rivers. One of the main issues during the storm and rain season is the heavy risk of flooding, particularly in the older neighborhoods where the drainage is poor. The area around Pocket-Greenhaven, which is located near the Sacramento River, experiences the worst of the floods. Also, the inadequate levee system makes it quite vulnerable to storms and rainfall.
Final Words
California is undoubtedly a beautiful state, surrounded by Hollywood, palm trees, and the buzz of celebrities. However, some of the remote cities in the state often experience the brunt of the storms, leading to potent risks of flash floods, infrastructure damage, and a whole lot more. Despite the weather challenges, each of these cities in California offers an interactive travel experience, so plan your itinerary well to not miss out on any of these experiences.
