Rain, snow fall as California braces for brunt of storm

California, Dec. 13 (BUS): The United States of America is bracing for the brunt of a major winter storm expected to hit Monday, causing travel headaches, the threat of local flooding and some relief in an abnormally warm fall.

Light rain and snow fell in Northern California on Sunday, giving residents an idea of ​​what’s to come. The Associated Press reports that the multi-day storm could drop more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snow on the highest peaks and inundate other parts of California as it heads south and east before breaking out in the middle of the week.

“This is a fairly widespread event,” said Anna Wanless, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. “Most, if not all, of California will see some sort of rain and snow.”

The rainfall will bring at least temporary relief in the broader region that has suffered from droughts caused by climate change. The latest US drought watch shows parts of Montana, Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah are in exceptionally dry condition, the worst category.

Most reservoirs that provide water to states, cities, tribes, farmers, and utilities depend on springtime melting snow.

Most reservoirs that provide water to states, cities, tribes, farmers, and utilities depend on springtime melting snow.

Wanless said this week’s storm is typical for this time of year but notable because it is the first major snowfall expected to significantly affect travel with ice and snow on the roads, strong winds and limited visibility. Drivers on some mountain passes on Sunday had to wrap their tires with chains.

Officials urged people to delay travel and stay at home. According to forecasts, the rains may cause flash floods and minor rockslides, especially in areas affected by forest fires. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has issued evacuation warnings for several areas, noting the possibility of flooding. Los Angeles County fire officials have urged residents to be aware of the potential for mudflows.

Meteorologists also said that the strong winds accompanying the storm could lead to power outages. Carly Hernandez, a spokesperson for Pacific Gas & Electric, said utilities covering much of California had no major outages on Sunday. Hernandez said crews and equipment are deployed across the state to respond quickly in the event of a power outage.

It rained intermittently across California on Sunday. Andy Naga Reese, CEO of the Agricultural Institute of Marine, said farmers markets continued as usual in San Rafael and San Francisco amid light winds.

He said the markets are especially crowded at this time of year as farmers make jellies, jams and sauces for the holidays. He said rain is always required in case of drought.

“It’s a blessing in many ways,” said Naga Raisi.

Lichen Crommett, director of the San Lorenzo Garden Center in Santa Cruz, California, said customers were not deterred by a light drizzle of rain on Sunday morning.

“It’s not like a raincoat is worth a date,” she said, “but any second it could change.”

The second storm expected to hit California in the middle of the week could bring nearly continuous snow, said Edan Weishahn of the Reno Weather Service, which monitors an area on both sides of the Nevada state line. Weishahn said Donner Peak, one of the highest points on Interstate 80 and a major commercial commuter route, could cause major travel disruptions or road closures.

The weather comes on the heels of a quiet November that was unusually warm.

“With this storm approaching, it will be a wake-up call for a lot of people,” Weishahn said.

The three ski resorts in the Tahoe area opened with limited offers over the weekend after their crews worked to produce artificial snow. Spokeswoman Sarah Ruston said resorts are looking forward to more of the real stuff.

“We will assess as soon as the storm enters, but expect to open up more terrain following,” she wrote in an email.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Avalanche Center warned that heavy snowfall and high winds over weak snow masses could cause large and destructive avalanches. A man died Saturday at a ski resort in the Pacific Northwest when he was trapped in an avalanche that temporarily buried five others.

FKN