On Sunday, light rain and snow fell in Northern California. This gave residents a glimpse of what was to come. As it moves south and west, the storm will dump more snow (8 feet (2.24 meters) on the highest peaks. It could also drench other areas of California before it leaves midweek.
Anna Wanless, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Sacramento, said that “this is a fairly widespread event.” “Most, if not all of California will experience some rain or snow.”
The rain will provide some relief for the larger region affected by climate change-related drought. The U.S. drought monitor has shown that parts of Montana and Oregon are in extreme drought. This is the worst category.
Most water reservoirs that supply water to states, cities and tribes, farmers, utilities, and other entities rely on melting snow in springtime.
This week’s storm is not unusual for this time of year, but it is notable because it is the first major snowstorm that will significantly impact travel. There is ice and snow on roads, strong winds, and limited visibility. On Sunday, drivers on mountainous passes had to put chains on their tires.
Officials advised people to stay inside and not travel. According to the forecast, rain could cause minor flooding or rockslides in areas scarred by wildfires. San Bernardino County sheriff’s department issued evacuation warnings in several areas due to the possibility of flooding. Los Angeles County fire officials advised residents to be aware that mud flows could occur.
Forecasters warned that strong winds could cause power outages due to the storm’s accompanying storm. A spokesperson for Pacific Gas & Electric said that there were no major outages at the utility, which covers large parts of California, on Sunday. Hernandez stated that equipment and crews are set up across the state in order to quickly respond to any power outages.
On Sunday, rain fell in California intermittently. Andy Naja-Riese was chief executive of the Agricultural Institute of Marin. He said that farmers markets continued as usual in San Rafael, San Francisco, and San Francisco despite light winds.
He said that the markets are particularly busy at this time of year, with farmers creating jams, jellies and sauces for holidays. He also said that rain is always needed in a dry state.
Manager of the San Lorenzo Garden Center, Santa Cruz, California Lichen Crommett said that customers were not deterred by a light drizzle Sunday morning.
She said, “It’s still not raincoat-worthy right now, but it could change any second.”
Edan Weishahn, Reno’s weather service, stated that a second storm, expected to strike California midweek, could bring snow almost continuously. The weather service monitors an area bordering Nevada. Weishahn stated that Donner Summit, which is one of the most prominent points on Interstate 80, and a major route for commerce commuters, could cause major travel disruptions.
This weather pattern follows a calm November which was unusually warm.
Weishahn stated, “With this storm coming into, it’s going be a wakeup alarm to a lot people,”
After crews created artificial snow, Vail Resorts’ three Tahoe area ski resorts opened on Saturday with limited offerings. Spokeswoman Sara Roston stated that the resorts look forward to more real snow.
She wrote in an email, “We will assess once storms come in, but we do anticipate to open additional terrain subsequent.”
The Sierra Avalanche Center has warned that heavy snowfall and strong winds could lead to large, destructive avalanches. One man was killed Saturday at a ski resort located in the Pacific Northwest after he was trapped in an avalanche which temporarily buried five other people.
