NWS graphic for storm warning posted to Facebook, 11:24:19.
MENDOCINO Co., 11/24/19 — A major winter storm, the first of the season, is forecasted to drench California this week, just in time to make Thanksgiving travels all the more difficult, especially if you have to cross the mountain pass on the way to Thanksgiving dinner. The storm is expected to arrive Tuesday afternoon or evening, and will bring significant rain to lower elevations (potentially putting an end of fire seasons) while dumping up to a couple feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada, and even a few inches of snow in the hills around Willits, Covelo, and Laytonville.
A strong storm system is expected to bring rain and mountain snow starting Tuesday afternoon. The heaviest precipitation will be Tuesday afternoon and evening. Showers will continue through Wednesday. For details https://t.co/puxKJFxzTypic.twitter.com/rGh6PTEbgr
In contrast to much of the country where it rains year-round, in California the "water year" begins on October 1, meaning that annual rain fall totals are tabulated from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 of the next year, so that they encompass the whole rainy season.
And this autumn has been seen record-breaking dryness around the state, as well as unusually warm daytime temperatures -- making this fall one of the warmest and driest in recorded history for various parts of the state. But, something resembling a rainy season is anticipated to return this week, according to the National Weather Service, bringing possible rain and snow storms to mountain passes around the state.
With the excitement for the rain forecast later this week, don't forget about the current dry conditions. Gusty, dry winds are forecast on Monday for elevated locations. The SPC has the #BayArea at elevated conditions for fire weather #stayWeatherAware#dontBeThatSpark#cawxpic.twitter.com/uH5FSqGRrx
On Sunday and Monday we'll continue to have warm daytime temps, with some gusty winds, and very dry conditions -- this won't quite rise to the level of another red flag warning, but everyone is encouraged to continue to practice fire safety. However, depending on the extent of the storm, there may be enough precipitation on this way this week to substantial reduce the risk of fire danger moving forward, so this might be the storm that finally ends the seemingly interminable 2019 fire season.
🚩 Breezy winds are forecast tomorrow for portions of the Valley & wind prone areas in the higher elevations.
💥Dry conditions + breezy winds = increased fire weather concerns. Practice fire safety by avoiding activities that cause sparks, especially over dry grass! #CAwxpic.twitter.com/LvA9r6AIO3
Beginning Tuesday afternoon around the state, drivers are encouraged to keep an eye on the forecast and prepare for wintry impacts to roads, including strong winds, rain, snow, small hail, and possible chain requirements. According to the NWS's forecast as of Sunday, the winter storms are forecasted to begin moving on shore on Tuesday afternoon, and continue through through Wednesday evening, often some of the busiest travel days of the year. Snow is predicted to reach elevations of 2,500 - 3,000 feet Tuesday afternoon, then dropping to 1,500 feet and possibly below on Tuesday evening, which may result in chains being required on some mountain roads.
❄️🌨️ Heavy mountain #snow will be likely Tuesday night - Wednesday. 2 to 3 FEET of snow are possible above 3000-3500 feet.
A significant storm system will impact Central California Tuesday night through Thursday night. Snow levels could fall as low as 1,500 feet by Thanksgiving Day in the Southern Sierra Nevada foothills. Most of this precipitation will fall Tuesday night and Wednesday. #CAwxpic.twitter.com/tnfnE1Tbf7
Six to twelve inches of snow is possible from 3,000 feet to 5,000 feet Wednesday evening through Thursday night. Significant snow accumulation will make travel exceptionally hazardous or nearly impossible. If you plan to travel, consider alternate strategies. #CAwxpic.twitter.com/YtmDZRrWwp
Thanksgiving week is here and many people will be traveling across the country. In northwest California the weather will make travel more challenging and hazardous starting Tuesday afternoon. Strong winds, rain and mountain snow are expected Tuesday afternoon and evening as an area of low pressure moves onshore. Snow levels will continue to fall Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to around 1,500 feet as showers continue across the area. At this time small hail is also likely with the highest threat along the coast. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your trip. First, check the forecast at weather.gov and look for forecast locations along your travel route. Check the road conditions before you head out and make sure you have a car safety kit and/or tire chains ready if you plan on traveling through an area with snow.
The storm may also impact swells and marine safety, and there are a number of small craft advisories in effect for portions of the Northern California coast over the coming week, as there may be high swells due to the incoming storm.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Eureka CA 409 AM PST Sun Nov 24 2019 ...SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS TO HOLIDAY TRAVEL WILL BE POSSIBLE TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY DUE TO WINTER WEATHER... .
A potentially significant winter storm may bring heavy mountain snow, strong winds, and low elevation small hail Tuesday and Wednesday. While the strength of the storm is still uncertain, confidence is increasing that winter weather may cause significant impacts to holiday travel during early to middle portions of next week, particularly across interior mountain roadways above 2500 feet in elevation.
CAZ105>108-111-250015- /O.CON.KEKA.WS.A.0006.191126T1800Z-191127T2200Z/ Northern Humboldt Interior-Southern Humboldt Interior- Northern Trinity-Southern Trinity-Northeastern Mendocino Interior- 409 AM PST Sun Nov 24 2019 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON... *
WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 2500 feet. Storm total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches possible at pass levels, with locally higher amounts on higher peaks. Strong winds are also likely. * WHERE...Humboldt Interior, Trinity and Northeastern Mendocino Counties above 2500 feet. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon. *
IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible along interior mountain roads. The hazardous conditions could impact holiday travel, in addition to morning and evening commutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow amounts, the strength of expected winds, and timing remain relatively uncertain, but significant impacts to holiday travel are possible during this event.
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