...
By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Meteorologists are warning of road closures and dangerous travel conditions for some parts of California later this week when a winter storm hits.
Why It Matters
So far this season, California's snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains has been below average. An incoming atmospheric river will usher in a winter storm with up to 4 feet in some portions of the mountain range, with people living in the area being warned of dangerous travel conditions from Tuesday night to Thursday night.
Read More on U.S.
What To Know
Atmospheric rivers are a "long, narrow region in the atmosphere—like rivers in the sky—that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The storms are known for their heavy snow, heavy rain and strong winds.
The incoming storm will bring heavy rainfall to coastal southern California, the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a forecast on Monday. Meanwhile, high elevation areas above 5,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains are expecting up to 4 feet of snow during the same time period.
A map from AccuWeather shows that the areas anticipating the heaviest snow include Lassen Park, Donner Pass, Bear Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Mammoth Lakes with 2 to 4 feet. Echo Summit could see 1 to 2 feet.
NWS offices across the Golden State have issued a winter storm watch in preparation for the event.
A high wind watch warning of wind gusts up to 65 miles per hour in some areas is also in place. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Scott Homan told Newsweek that the wind will be strong enough at times to cause blizzard conditions, causing roads in some areas to be shut down.
...
What People Are Saying
National Weather Service in a Monday morning forecast: "A Pacific storm with atmospheric river will bring heavy mountain snow and strong winds to the Sierra Nevada and heavy rainfall over parts of coastal southern California midweek."
NWS office in Hanford, California, in a winter storm watch: "Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches."
The advisory added: "Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order."
What Happens Next?
The winter storm watches will go into effect Tuesday night. Homan said the heavy snow will begin by Wednesday morning, with the storm expecting to persist through Thursday night.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines