(VVNG.com)- A total of four storms are expected to move through the region late Wednesday through early next Tuesday, according to the San Diego National Weather Service.
A jet stream over the Pacific remains strong and continuing to direct storms into Southern California. According to an advisory by the NWS, residents are urged to make preparations as the forecast confidence in a significant event is high.
“Five-day snowfall for many locations (especially the San Bernardino and Riverside County Mountains) will likely be measured in feet,” stated the NWS advisory.
The local mountains will receive multiple rounds of heavy snowfall ranging from 6 inches to 1 foot between 4,000 & 5,000 ft, 1-3 ft between 5,000 & 6,000 ft, and 3 ft or more possible above 6,500 ft.
The first storm is anticipated to arrive late Wednesday night and expected to bring widespread precipitation early Thursday before things taper off in the late afternoon.
Storm number two should arrive late Thursday night and will bring potentially heavy rains during the day Friday.
The NWS says, “there is lower confidence on the timing of the third storm which would arrive during the day Saturday.”
The strongest of the series of storms will arrive late in the weekend with precipitation possibly continuing into early Thursday.
Significant impacts are expected, including very hazardous travel conditions along mountain roadways.
Potentially damaging winds are predicted late Friday through Saturday. Strongest winds in the mountains and deserts with gusts of 70+ mph possible. Winds this strong happen on average once every 1-2 years, according to the NWS.
Potential Impacts
- Flash flooding and river flooding possible.
- Debris flows/mud slides from recent burn scars.
- Heavy snowfall above 5000-foot elevation and possibly very heavy snowfall above 6000-foot elevation.
- Snow accumulation down to at least 4000-foot elevation which could impact the Cajon Pass and Interstate 8.
- Thunderstorms possible at times, wich small hail, frequent lightning, strong winds, and heavy rains.
- Travel disruption likely.
- Strong winds could cause damage to structures and knock down trees and power lines, as well as create hazardous driving for high profile vehicles.
- Dense fog in the mountains.
- Damaging surf and minor coastal flooding possible on Saturday.
- Hazardous marine conditions due to near gale force winds and large rough seas.
- Waterspouts possible.
- Saturated rains and strong winds have the potential to knock down trees, especially diseased and drought-stricken trees.
Share this:
