A dangerous storm recently hit California and brought heavy rain and snow to the region. Up to 6 feet of snow was reported in the Sierra Nevada, and more continued to fall the next day. The storm wreaked havoc across the region due to incessant snow and rain. It also raised the threat of potential mudslides in regions affected by the wildfires. This prompted immediate evacuation orders in southern parts of the state.
Los Angeles receives heavy rainfall
Several inches of rain poured in LA as well. One area of Santa Barbara County received almost 7 inches of rain. The ongoing rainfall created flash flooding in areas, the Weather Service said. In nearby Nevada, over 6 feet of snowfall was reported at the Mt. Rose ski resort.
Referring to the snow-clad roads around Lake Tahoe, California Highway Patrol Officer Carlos Perez said, “It’s just so bad and so thick. We’re telling people that if they don’t need to be around this area, they probably shouldn’t travel.”
Storm brings moisture to drought-struck regions
Before the storm, parts of Montana, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah were in exceptional drought. The storm, however, brought much-needed moisture to the region. After the storm struck California, it was forecast to move toward the Southwest. Weather forecasters are also expecting a few showers in Phoenix.
Storm to batter Central US with extremely strong winds
The same storm is expected to produce strong winds from the deserts to the southern and central Plains. Weather forecasters have indicated that the winds will be strong enough to kick up a lot of dust and raise the threat of wildfires. What’s more, the winds could also cause regional power outages in the area.
In Nebraska, a Weather Service forecast office warned of 70-mph wind gusts and added that “travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Trucks may be blown over. Holiday decorations will be damaged or blown away.”
The Weather Service is also expecting daily high temperatures to increase around 30 degrees above average across the Mississippi Valley and Plains. The Weather Service said, “With spring-like highs anywhere from the 50s and 70s in the forecast, over 50 daily high records stand to be broken.”
Severe thunderstorms are also likely in parts of Minnesota, Missouri, and Iowa, the Storm Prediction Center said. The Weather Service added, “The hazards associated with these thunderstorms are frequent lightning, severe thunderstorm wind gusts, hail and a few tornadoes.”