Winter Storm Warning Map Shows State Bracing for up to 87 Inches of Snow This Weekend
The National Weather Service is putting a spotlight on the dangerous conditions hitting the Pacific Northwest and northern California over the next few days.
Heavy rainfall is expected to threaten the region once again after record rainfall led to devastating flooding late last year. However, rain isn't the only threat for the area as heavy snowfall begins to fall.
"In addition to the heavy rainfall, very heavy mountain snow is expected for the higher elevations of the Sierra and ranges in the far north of the state, with totals of multiple feet forecast. Very gusty winds and some coastal flooding will continue as well," the National Weather Service said.
Northern California Expected to be Hit With Heavy Snow
In Northern California where the Cascade Range meets the Sierra Nevada mountains the NWS issued an urgent alert.
"Precipitation chances will expand across the Pacific Northwest and portions of the Interior West as the energetic upper-trough and moisture move inland. The Pacific Northwest will see moderate rainfall, with lighter rain and a chance for a wintry mix for lower elevation locations inland," the NWS said. "Moderate to locally heavy snow will intensify for the Cascades as well as ranges of the northern Rockies and into portions of the Great Basin into Sunday. Precipitation chances broadly should trend down overnight Sunday and into the day Monday."
One location set for heavy snowfall is the Lassen Volcanic National Park which is expected to receive up to 57 inches of snow in the next 24 hours alone with another 30 inches possible on Sunday, Jan. 4, leading to a total of 87 inches in just 48 hours - per an interactive map.
"Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet above 5000 feet, with 2 to 5 feet above 6000 feet. Locally higher amounts at highest peaks. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph," the NWS announced for the cities of Chester, Blue Canyon and Quincy.
Over seven feet of snow could hit in 48 hours.
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