California is bracing for a barrage of severe weather as powerful storms move through the state. These storms are bringing a mix of hail, potential flooding, heavy snowfall in mountainous areas, and even dust issues for those attending outdoor festivals.
The rough weather began Thursday, with severe thunderstorms delivering hail that was described as the size of ping pong balls in parts of Northern California, particularly around Modesto, according to the National Weather Service.
And it seems the real impact is just getting started.
Forecasters predict that an incoming low-pressure system will lead to wide-ranging rain, snow, and thunderstorms lasting into Monday.
The total rainfall is projected to be between 0.50 and 1.50 inches, with higher amounts possible, especially in hilly and mountainous regions where thunderstorms may intensify totals.
This system will arrive in two phases, with the first wave expected to hit late Friday and a more powerful second wave on Saturday night.
As one user expressed on social media, “I really hope the rain and thunderstorms stay away this weekend! I’d rather not deal with it!”
According to CBS News, the Sacramento First Alert Weather Team has noted that multiple squall lines are predicted to move inland Saturday evening, raising the chances for heavy rain, poor drainage, flooding in localized areas, and intense thunderstorms across the Sacramento Valley and nearby regions.
A similar situation is on the horizon for the San Francisco Bay Area, where strong winds and up to three-quarters of an inch of rain are anticipated by Saturday night, with thunderstorms possibly ramping up late Saturday and peaking early Sunday as the storm system shifts eastward.
Southern California is not escaping the impact either.
Reportedly, San Diego and its surrounding county should prepare for returning rain on Saturday, with scattered showers and a slight chance for thunderstorms, as colder conditions—potentially 10 to 15 degrees below average—set in, particularly in the mountains.
Showers and strong winds are expected to linger into Sunday.
According to CBS, Los Angeles has issued a “Next Weather Warning” through Sunday, predicting rain and thunderstorms for the area, with more rain likely on Sunday.
Additionally, drivers traversing the Grapevine could encounter light snow late Sunday into early Monday, with a forecasted probability of 10 to 20 percent.
This storm is expected to significantly affect the Sierra Nevada late in the season.
The National Weather Service indicates that the snow will likely start warm on Friday evening and then intensify Saturday night into Sunday, with cold air bringing the snow level down from about 7,000 to 7,500 feet to roughly 3,500 to 4,500 feet.
The most reliable snowfall will occur from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon.
The heaviest snow totals are anticipated at Kirkwood, with predictions of 19 to 29 inches by Monday. Other areas like Palisades Tahoe could see 13 to 20 inches, Mammoth Mountain might get 11 to 17 inches, and Mount Rose is expected to receive 6 to 8 inches, particularly affected by strong winds.
Sunday seems poised to be one of the prime days for snow conditions across the state, with Mammoth expected to have the best snow and Kirkwood boasting the deepest accumulations.
Even desert areas aren’t safe from the instability.
Attendees of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival should be cautious due to forecasts of high winds and rain impacting the region.
Air quality warnings are also in effect for the Coachella Valley, as wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph on Friday and Saturday could stir up significant amounts of dust and particulate matter, creating unhealthy breathing conditions.
From hail to snow, and even dust, California is facing a chaotic mix of weather.
