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At a Glance A series of low pressure systems will approach the West Coast beginning Saturday.
Multiple atmospheric river events are possible, which will increase flooding concerns.
Heavy flooding rain, mountain snow, gusty winds and coastal flooding are expected. Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists.
California is facing another multi-day siege of stormy weather for several days through early in the week ahead, which could result in the potential for flooding rainfall, landslides, heavy mountain snow, strong winds and coastal flooding.
What’s Happening Now
The first atmospheric river is now arriving in California and Nevada. Scattered rain is falling in both states and snow is falling in parts of the Sierra Nevada.
Flood watches have been issued for large portions of California, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno and Los Angeles.
Winter storm warnings have also been issued for most of the Sierra Nevada.
Wet Weather Timing
Saturday: The heaviest rain is expected in Northern California and along parts of the central coast, where local flash flooding and landslides are possible. Some heavy snow is expected in the Sierra, especially above 6,000 feet.
Sunday – Wednesday: Another strong low pressure system and atmospheric river event will impact California beginning late Sunday and may last for several days before wrapping up Wednesday. This round will bring heavier rain and high mountain snow to Southern California. Heavy rain on already saturated ground from the previous systems will increase the flooding and landslide potential statewide.
Parts of Santa Barbara County currently have the highest chance of seeing flooding and mudslides beginning Sunday night, but flooding is possible along nearly the entire coast of California during this period.
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Saturday’s Forecast
Sunday’s Forecast
Monday’s Forecast
Rain, Snow And Other Impacts
Northern California will pick up widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches through Wednesday, particularly in the coastal ranges and Sierra foothills below snow level.
Central California’s coastal ranges can expect rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches through Wednesday. Generally 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected in the Central Valley.
Southern California will see rainfall totals of more than 3 inches from L.A. County westward to Santa Barbara County, with lesser amounts farther south and inland.
Flooding and landslides will be a serious concern with the heavier rainfall totals. Remember to never drive through roadways covered with water.
The higher elevations of the Sierra will add multiple feet of snow to the snowpack into next week.
High surf and local coastal flooding are possible, at times, through Tuesday.
Rain And Snow Forecast
Linda Lam is a lead meteorologist at weather.com. Growing up in Massachusetts, she developed a fascination for winter storms and hurricanes that led her to pursue a career in meteorology.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives.
Source: weather.com
