California Braces for Powerful Winter Storms

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A series of powerful Pacific storms is set to deliver nearly an entire month's worth of rain and snow to California and the broader Western U.S. over the next week. Forecasters warn the storms could bring hazardous travel conditions, heavy precipitation, and strong winds as multiple rounds of winter weather sweep inland.

Why it matters

The incoming storms mark a sharp turn from the region's prolonged dry stretch and persistent snow deficits, which have raised concerns about water supply heading into spring. While the heavy snow could significantly boost mountain snowpack and replenish key reservoirs, it also poses risks of flooding, mudslides, and transportation disruptions.

The details

According to AccuWeather, the storms could dump as much as 10 feet of snow across high-elevation terrain from the Sierra Nevada to the central Rockies. Parts of coastal Northern and Central California are expected to see heavy rain starting on Sunday, before the storms spread south and east across the state. Multiple rounds of rain and snow are forecast to batter California through the middle of next week.

• The first round of heavy snow is expected to hit parts of the Sierra Nevada on Thursday, with up to 24 inches forecast.
• A brief break in the weather is expected on Saturday and Sunday before the next round of storms arrives.
• The main series of storms is forecast to impact California from Sunday through the middle of next week.

What’s next

The National Weather Service will likely issue more winter weather warnings as the storms approach, and state and local authorities will work to prepare for potential impacts on transportation, infrastructure, and public safety.