Much of the West is still being saturated by many rounds of rain, while the mountains are covered with a lot of snow.
First affect the majority of California
A low-pressure system will move over the Rockies, delivering a lot of snow, before entering the central Plains and Mid-Mississippi Valley this afternoon and tonight. It will first affect the majority of California. As a result, the Rockies will have mild to moderate snowfall, with heavier precipitation forecast at higher altitudes. Over the central Plains and the Mid-Mississippi Valley, light snow, freezing rain, and rain are also anticipated.
A further surge of moisture is anticipated for northern and central California, the Northwest, and the Great Basin today, even though the center of the United States will be affected by this disturbance. While significant snow is anticipated over the Cascades, Sierra Mountains, and Klamath Mountains, showers will continue for the already soggy California and Northwest. Light snow accumulation is also possible at lower elevations in the Great Basin and Pacific Northwest.
By Thursday morning, there will be 1 to 4 inches of rain throughout most of the California coastline north of Monterey. Up to two inches of rain are anticipated along the coasts of Oregon and Washington. The increased rain will exacerbate the present flooding occurring in much of central and northern California and cause new flooding. Especially near rivers and other low-lying and urban areas.
Effect for California’s central valleys and west coast
There are flood watches in effect for California’s central valleys and west coast. This covers all of California, from Sacramento and Redding in the north to Bakersfield in the south.
By Thursday morning, the Sierra Nevada and Klamath Mountains may get 1 to 3 feet of snow. Over the Cascades and the highest points of the Rockies in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming, 8 to 12 inches of powder are also conceivable. 2 to 6 inches of snow may fall at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada and Rockies, while just traces may fall in the Great Basin.
Parts of the West, including northern California and the Sierra Nevada, eastern Utah, western Colorado, central Wyoming, southern Idaho, and north-central Washington, are under winter storm warnings and advisories.
The West will also have heavy winds and rain and snow, which will be problematic. There might be wind gusts of up to 60 mph along the Oregon and California coasts. Southern Plains residents should expect strong winds as a result of the disturbance affecting the Plains. New Mexico and western Texas should expect wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph, and higher altitudes in the mountains might experience gusts as high as 80 mph! Wind advisories cover the California coastline, and the Oregon coastline is under high wind warnings. Wind Warnings and High Wind Warnings cover eastern New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle and western Texas.
Ohio Valley
The Ohio Valley may have modest snow accumulation when the disturbance from the Plains moves through there on Thursday before moving into the Northeast on Friday. Showers are predicted in southern New England, and modest snow accumulation is expected in northern New England.
If you approach a flooded street, remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” In bad weather, it’s always early enough to pack a supply package. In a power outage, a small kit, including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items, would be helpful. It’s advisable to stay home during inclement weather since the roadways will be hazardous.
