Pacific Storm System Impacting the West; Snow Showers Possible in the Northeast

A strong Pacific storm will will continue to bring additional rounds of heavy rain, mountain snow, high winds and colder temperatures to the portions of the West Coast through Thursday. Snow showers and squalls could disrupt travel in the Northeast Wednesday afternoon and evening. A strong storm is forecast to develop over the central Plains Thursday where it will bring threats of heavy snow. Read More >

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Winter Storm Warning & Wind Advisory

Flood Watch

Excessive Rainfall Outlook

Winter Weather Advisory

Thunderstorms

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra Nevada from 10 AM PDT Tuesday until 11 PM PDT Wednesday. The majority of this snow will fall Tuesday evening and Tuesday night. Winds will gust as high as 60 mph on exposed ridgetops and along the crest. Travel will be extremely difficult or impossible. If you plan to travel, consider alternate strategies. If you must travel, remember to carry tire chains, plenty of food, a good deal of water, warm clothing, and a flashlight in your vehicle. Winds will pickup through the West Side Mountains this afternoon through 5 AM PDT Wednesday with gusts forecast up to 45 mph.

A Flood Watch is in effect for the Sierra foothills until 500 AM PDT Thursday morning. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded.

There is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall in the eastern portion of the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night. Excessive rainfall below 4,000 feet could cause flooding or worsen ongoing flooding.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Kern County Mountain from 500 AM PDT Wednesday until 1100 AM PDT Thursday. Travel will become very difficult and Interstate 5 and SR 58 could be impacted by winter weather.

A few strong thunderstorms are possible north of Kern County from 12 PM PDT Wednesday afternoon until 8 PM PDT Wednesday evening. Small hail and wind gusts near 45 miles per hour are a couple of hazards associated with strong thunderstorms. In addition to dangerous cloud to ground lightning strikes, any thunderstorm can produce intense rainfall rates, leading to localized flooding.

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Local and California Severe Weather Products

Current Watches, Warnings, Advisories, and Outlooks by County
Current California Watches, Warnings, Advisories and Statements
Latest Local Storm Report
Current Local Special Weather Statement
The latest Flood Statement for the region (be sure to check the date/time)
Watch, Warning, and Advisory issuance criteria for the Central California Interior region

National Severe Weather Products

IWIN: Watches, Warnings, and Advisories nationwide
Convective Weather Outlook - Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
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Mesoscale Severe Weather Discussions
National Tornado & Severe Thunderstorm Report
Yesterday's Tornado & Severe Thunderstorm Report

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Watches, Warnings, and Advisories
Watches, warnings and advisories are non-routine products issued by the National Weather Service. They are issued to alert you of meteorological events that could pose a threat to life and property. They are divided into three main categories...severe weather, winter weather and non-precipitation weather (fog, dusts storms, etc).

A watch is issued when the risk of hazardous weather or hydrological event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.Watches evolve into warnings, advisories or they are canceled.

Warnings are issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent or has a very high probability of occurrence. It is used for conditions posing a threat for life or property. The National Weather Service is the single "official" voice when issuing warnings for life-threatening situations.

An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant inconvenience and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

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