Weather Service Issues Winter Storm Warning for State

In the state’s second significant storm during this rainy season, an atmospheric river hit the Bay Area while heavy snow accumulations of 2 to 3 feet and 3 to 6 feet above 7,000 feet pounded the Greater Lake Tahoe area, according to the National Weather Service. The same atmospheric river event was expected to impact parts of central and Southern California as well at the beginning of the week with heavy rain, flash flooding and possible debris flows near recent and vulnerable burn scars.

Tahoe snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour were expected, with heavier bursts producing snowfall rates of at least 3 inches per hour and whiteout conditions.

Sierra ridge winds exceeded 100 mph with occasional gusts 40 to 50 mph possible in lower elevations. And strong winds were likely to cause extensive tree damage in exposed higher and wildfire burn areas.

Dangerous boating conditions were reported on Lake Tahoe with waves of 2 to 5 feet.

Travelers were advised to avoid travel to the Tahoe area altogether as road conditions ranged from difficult to impossible, especially due to major trans-Sierra pass closures.