After enduring relentless storms, the West is bracing for another round of rain, snow, and gusty winds just days before Thanksgiving. Residents of California, including those in Los Angeles, should prepare for travel delays and disruptions as yet another surge of moisture is poised to drench the region early next week.
A Region on Edge After Intense Weather
Over the past week, the Northwest and Northern California have faced repeated weather onslaughts. Torrential rains, fierce coastal winds, and heavy mountain snow have battered the area, leaving communities grappling with power outages and treacherous conditions.
Earlier this week, a bomb cyclone a rapidly intensifying storm lashed Washington with winds powerful enough to knock out power to over 600,000 customers. This intense weather system brought with it steep drops in atmospheric pressure, creating hazardous conditions across the region. As of Saturday afternoon, more than 90,000 homes and businesses in Washington were still without power, according to PowerOutage.us. Northern California didn’t fare much better, with coastal winds reaching up to 60 mph leaving nearly 12,000 customers in the dark by Friday morning.
A Brief Respite Before the Next Wave
While the storm-weary region is set to experience a short reprieve early this weekend, the break will be fleeting. A new weather system is poised to roll in late Saturday night, bringing rain back to Northern California and snow to higher elevations. By Sunday, the storm is expected to push inland, blanketing areas like Nevada, Utah, and Colorado with snow while rain continues to fall along the coast.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk, this next wave of storms will differ from the recent deluge. “Unlike the storms that have been bringing the flooding to Northern California the last several days, the atmospheric river, or stream of moisture into California, won’t be as strong or as intense,” Houk explained. The incoming system will be less focused, spreading its precipitation more evenly across the region rather than overwhelming specific areas.
Snowy Sierra Passes and Rain for Southern California
The Sierra Nevada will see significant snowfall this weekend, with snow levels dropping to 4,500–5,500 feet. Mountain travelers should expect slick and snowy conditions along popular passes, making preparation essential. By Monday, snow levels may rise slightly to 5,000–6,000 feet, continuing to impact higher elevations.
Further south, rain will make its way down the California coast, with light showers expected to reach Los Angeles by Monday night or Tuesday morning. While this storm isn’t predicted to be as severe as the previous ones, the timing could still disrupt travel plans for Thanksgiving.
A Cautious Outlook
For those living in or traveling through the West, this latest round of weather adds yet another layer of uncertainty. While the intensity of the storms may be lower, the impacts particularly for travelers are still significant. Residents are urged to stay updated on conditions and plan accordingly as the holiday approaches.
With the West caught in a persistent cycle of stormy weather, the hope for a calm Thanksgiving week remains tenuous.
