An unseasonably cold and vigorous storm system wreaked havoc along the southwestern Pacific Coast this weekend, bringing rain, flash flooding, and snow to parts of California and other states, according to forecasters.
The storm, which prompted a flood warning in San Diego on Sunday, is expected to have far-reaching impacts across the country. Bob Smerbeck, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, warned of flooding issues, mudslides, and debris as the storm center hovered off the California coast.
Los Angeles had already received two to four inches of rain by Sunday morning, with Santa Barbara County experiencing up to 6.5 inches of rainfall, reported the Weather Service.
The rain is set to continue on Sunday with a chance of thunderstorms, according to the Los Angeles office of the National Weather Service. Forecasters cautioned that the storms could bring hail, strong winds, and even a remote risk of a tornado. The storm, originating off the coast of California, is expected to shift south and eastward, posing a risk of flash flooding in Southern California.
The Transverse Ranges and Sierra Nevada are likely to see heavy snowfall, with significant accumulation expected above 6,000 feet. Winter storm warnings are in effect for most mountainous areas through Sunday evening.
While California is expected to dry out by Monday, the storm will continue its path into Arizona over the weekend. Scattered to widespread rain showers are anticipated across Arizona through Sunday, with isolated thunderstorms expected through Monday before dry, warm conditions return later in the week.
A wind advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. on Sunday in southeastern Arizona and parts of southern New Mexico. The storm is also forecasted to bring significant precipitation to parts of Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, with Flagstaff, Ariz., expected to receive between six to 10 inches of snow.
As the storm system continues to move across the region, residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
