Heavy Rain, Mountain Snow Slams California

A strong disturbance will bring early season rain and snow to California and the Great Basin through Wednesday, with flooding concerns across central and southern California.

The storm system will dig southeastward into southern California today before lifting northeastward into the Great Basin on Wednesday. Most of the rain and snow impacts will be seen across central and southern California through this evening, with activity becoming lighter and more scattered as the system moves further inland.

Rain amounts will generally range between a half inch and 1.5 inches across central and southwestern California today, but locally higher amounts up to 2 to 3 inches are possible. This will cause areas of flash flooding to develop, with increased concern for areas that have recent burn scars. Flash Flood Watches can be found in parts of central and southwestern California.

Mountain snow will also be an issue, with California's Sierra Nevada receiving up to 1 to 2 feet of snow! Winter Storm Warnings are in place here.

Strong winds will be present from southern California into the Desert Southwest through Wednesday, where Wind Advisories are in place for sustained winds up to 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 40 to 50 mph are also possible.

Flooding is a leading cause of weather-related fatalities with more than half of flood-related casualties occurring in automobiles when attempting to cross high water. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can sweep a grown adult away while twelve inches can overtake small cars. It is never safe to drive or walk through floodwaters, always remember to turn around don't drown.

Exercise caution when going out on the roads during or after a downpour. If you encounter a water-covered roadway, be sure to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” because the water could be much deeper than it appears.