California to flip from relatively warm and dry to rainy and snowy
SACRAMENTO -- California's warm and dry Christmas holiday was set to give way Monday to periods of stormy weather through the New Year's weekend.
Rain was expected to arrive in Northern California during the afternoon and evening, followed by heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges.
The National Weather Service office in Sacramento called it a "major weather pattern change."
"This will bring multiple rounds of rain and snow through the week and through the weekend," the office said.
In Southern California, where downtown Los Angeles had a Sunday high of 84 degrees (28.8 Celsius), clear skies were forecast to become overcast ahead of the approaching storm, followed by rain Tuesday into Wednesday.
"The storm door will remain open through the rest of the week with a chance of rain every day," the region's forecast office said.
Drought-stricken California's mountain snowpack, a key part of the state's water supply, is off to a good start. But experts remain cautious. Last winter had a similar start and then turned extraordinarily dry January through March, the months that normally bring the most rain and snow.
SIERRA
The National Weather Service says a high-wind warning will go into effect Monday at 10 p.m. and stay in effect through Tuesday at 10 p.m.. They say there will be southwest winds up to 65 mph and 100+ mph gusts along the ridges. High-profile vehicles will have travel difficulties. There will be possible damage to trees and powerlines. Power outages are expected. The Service also warns of dangerous boating conditions.
A wind advisory will be issued for the western Nevada Basin and Range, including Pyramid Lake. That advisory goes into effect at 10 p.m. Monday and stays in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday.
A winter storm warning will go into effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday and remain until 10 a.m. Wednesday for Mono County and the Greater Lake Tahoe area.
A winter weather advisory will go into effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday and remain until 10 a.m. Wednesday. for Lassen, eastern Plumas, and eastern Sierra counties, the National Weather Service says. They say travelers should plan on difficult travel conditions in the easter Sierra over passes Tuesday, becoming more widespread Wednesday.
There will be some damage to trees and powerlines due to possible wet snow accumulation.
