Winter Holding Its Grip on the West

Winter will continue to hold its grip across the West as a pair of storm systems bring beneficial rain and mountain snow through Sunday.

The first disturbance brought some rain and mountain snow across the West on Friday. Several inches of snow accumulated in the Sierra Nevada, Klamath Mountains, and Oregon Cascades. Rain amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches were common across central and northern California. 

A stronger storm system containing more moisture will impact the same regions today through 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 Advisories and Warnings cover the Sierra Nevada and Siskiyou Mountains for this weekend's storm system. Winter Storm Advisories are also in place across the mountains of Southern California.

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.