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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 >

Overview

A significant low pressure system approached the northern plains on Friday, April 22. Ahead of this system, warm, moist air was advected into our region. Thunderstorms began to develop early Friday evening, some of which became severe, dropping large hail and producing strong winds. Several places received an inch or two of rain, much needed in our current drought situation. Storms moved eastward and dissipated Friday night. On Saturday morning, precipitation increased again, and rain changed over to snow. Northwesterly winds became strong, gusting to 70+ mph in some locations. The strong winds combined with the falling snow created very poor visibilities and hazardous travel conditions. Some areas received heavy snow, but even in areas that didn't receive heavy snow, the blowing snow caused blizzard conditions. 

Horses
West of Gillette (A. Cope)
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