Weak System Continues to Flush California, Southwest | WeatherBug
Main Menu
Responsive menu icon

Weak System Continues to Flush California, Southwest

March 12, 2021
UPDATED By WeatherBug Meteorologists
Southern California and the Southwest will continue to see fresh rain and mountain snow pile up to close out the work week.

A weak frontal system that rode across the coast earlier in the week continues to plague southern California. Fresh snow, rain and small hail will be possible over central and southern California into Arizona. Coastal and valley regions will receive rain, but elevations above 4,000 feet as well as Interstate 5 will see up to 6 inches of snow piling up. Lesser amounts between 1 to 3 inches of snow will be possible below 4,000 feet. 

Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been posted for southern California and central Arizona. San Bernardino and Big Bear Lake, Calif., and Flagstaff, Ariz., are included. 

As a dual threat, thunderstorms producing heavy downpours which could cause localized flooding before this system departs. 

Since Tuesday, mountain peaks in California such as Mountain High, Mount Baldy and Mount Wilson have recorded more than 10 inches to a foot of fresh snow. Meanwhile, areas such as Clear Creek, Santa Barbara and Bald Mountain, Calif., have recorded over 1.5 inches of rainfall.
 
If you are headed to the mountains or across the passes, leave plenty of extra travel time, pack a winter survival kit with blankets, along with water and tire chains, if required. Watch out for flowing water from flooding that may be carrying debris which could be dangerous.

The West Coast has been ambushed by rounds of rain and snow since the beginning of this week. The surplus of precipitation has benefited moderate, severe and extreme drought that’s been locked in since last year for these regions. Dry weather will return to this region over the weekend.