West Coast Remains Damp and Dreary

Damp and dreary conditions will continue to plague the West Coast to begin the work week today. Steady rain and mountain snow as well as concerns for flash flooding will be of interest for many residents. 

A surge of moisture from the tropics will stream into the West Coast today, leading to substantial precipitation amounts from California to the Pacific Northwest. This type of weather event is also known as an atmospheric river. Steady rain is expected to continue today before relief finally arrives on Tuesday as high pressure begins to develop overhead. Snow showers are also anticipated for the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains.

Flood Watches remain in effect for parts of northern California, where widespread rain accumulations of a half inch to two and a half inches are expected, with locally higher amounts possible. This comes after already seeing one to three inches of rain on Saturday and one to two and half inch amounts on Sunday. Flash flooding will also be possible in low lying and urban areas, while creeks, streams, and rivers may be prone to swelling over their banks. Flood Watches are also in place across southern California, including Anaheim and San Diego, where a half inch to one and a half inches of rain fell on Sunday. Here, another half inch to one and a half inches of rain will fall today.

At higher elevations, the precipitation type will likely be more snow than rain. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the Sierra Nevada as well as east of the Cascades.

California and the Pacific Northwest won’t be the only ones seeing snow, but areas in the Southwest too will get a taste of the action. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are currently active for northeastern Arizona.

Remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” if you approach a flooded roadway and stay tuned to the WeatherBug app, website, and social media over the coming days for updates on this event.