Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding Concerns in California; Heavy Snow in the Sierra

An atmospheric river will bring heavy rainfall to lower elevations of California this week, and heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Flash flooding, some of which may be locally considerable, will be a concern on the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains through Tuesday. Landslides, rockfalls and mudslides are possible in the Southern California mountains. Read More >

Click a location below for detailed forecast.

Last Map Update: Wed, Dec 24, 2025 at 2:22:28 am PST

Watches, Warnings & Advisories

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National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area, CA

National Weather Service San Joaquin Valley, CA

Special Marine Warning

Winter Storm Warning

High Wind Warning

Storm Warning

Avalanche Warning

Gale Warning

Wind Advisory

Beach Hazards Statement

Flood Watch

High Wind Watch

Special Weather Statement

Marine Weather Statement

Winter Storm Warning

Wind Hazards

Flood Watch

Sierra Travel Forecast

We've upgraded the Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning for NE California, Tahoe, and Mono Co, which will be in effect 10 PM Tuesday until 10 AM Friday. These storms will be colder than our recent ones with snow levels falling to/below Sierra passes and lake level on Wednesday, which should shift flooding concerns to snow impacts during the evening of Christmas Eve and all of Christmas Day. Snow levels continue lowering to near valley floors Christmas night into Friday, which may bring snow impacts to travel down to W NV valley and foothill areas.

A Wind Advisory has been issued for Mineral, Churchill, Pershing counties, in effect 4 PM this afternoon until 7 AM Wednesday. A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for Lake Tahoe until 10 PM tonight.

A Flood Watch for NE CA and the Tahoe Basin remains in effect through Wednesday afternoon. There's concern for minor/nuisance flooding in poor drainage and urban areas. Additionally, rises on the Susan River near Susanville and the West Fork of the Carson near Woodfords are possible.

Your well-awaited Sierra Travel Forecast is here for the days surrounding Christmas! 👀🎄🚗🏔️ The best time to travel over the passes ahead of the 25th will be Tuesday (the 23rd). To stay up to date on road conditions, visit CalTrans QuickMap and NV Roads.