Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
2mo ago

California Braces for Heavy Rain, Mountain Snow as Back-to-Back Storms Arrive

Two storm systems are forecast to bring significant rainfall, snow, and thunderstorms to the state, with potential travel disruptions and risks in burn scar areas.

Pedestrians use an umbrella to shield themselves from the rain while crossing the street in Chinatown during a heavy downpour in Oakland, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2025.
Image
Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service
The Bay Area and Central Coast will experience some light rain, cold temperatures and possible snow at higher elevations over the next couple of days. A brief respite will then lead to more rain Sunday, March 9, 2025 and into next week. Courtesy National Weather Service via Bay City News.

Overview

  • Central and Southern California will experience the heaviest rain, with 1.5 to 3 inches expected in areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Sur, and Los Angeles foothills.
  • Mountain snow levels will drop to 3,000-4,000 feet by Thursday, with up to 2 feet of snow forecast in the Sierra Nevada above 6,500 feet and significant snowfall in Southern California ranges.
  • Strong winds, thunderstorms, and small hail are likely, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph in some areas, creating hazardous travel conditions in impacted regions.
  • Burn scar areas in Los Angeles County face a 10-20% risk of debris flows, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall exceeding half an inch per hour.
  • Another storm system is expected to arrive Sunday, bringing additional rain and snow, potentially extending wet weather into mid-March.