Double Dose Of Rain And Snow In The West

A pair of storm systems will team up to deliver beneficial rain and mountain snow to parts of the West through Sunday.

The first disturbance will spread across northern and central California, Oregon, and the western parts of the Great Basin today. The Sierra Nevada, Klamath Mountains, and the Cascades in Oregon will see the most rain and mountain snow today, with rainfall of 0.5 to 1.5 inches likely. Snow amounts will be rather small and limited to the highest elevations of the Sierras, which could receive 2 to 6 inches of snow.

A stronger storm system containing more moisture will impact the same regions Saturday into Sunday. Periods of moderate to heavy rain and mountain snow are expected from central and southern Oregon to central California, with lighter amounts extending into southern California, the Great Basin, and Washington.

The lower elevations from central and southern Oregon to central California will see widespread rainfall of 0.5 to 1.5 inches over the weekend, with locally higher amounts of 2 to 3 inches possible in northern California. Above 4500 feet, snowfall on the order of 1 to 2 feet is in the forecast for much of the Sierra Nevada and the Klamath Mountains. The mountaintops could see even higher amounts up to 3 to 4 feet!

Winter Storm Watches and Warnings cover the Sierra Nevada for this weekend's storm system.

Be sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest on this changing weather. It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid traveling in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.