More flooding rain, mountain snow take aim at California into Monday

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

March 6,2016; 11:33PM,EST

 

 

A new round of rain and mountain snow will once again threaten to trigger flooding, mudslides and treacherous travel across California into Monday.
On the heels of the storm that slammed into California earlier in the weekend, a new storm will push more rain and mountain snow southward across the state into Monday.
The stormy pattern is quite a change from February when rain frequently bypassed the state.

Rainfall from the storm into Monday will generally average 1-2 inches in northern California and 0.50 to 1 inch in Southern California. There will be locally higher totals in any downpours and along the southwestern-facing slopes of the mountains.
Flash flooding can occur, especially with the ground already saturated and streams running high from the first storm.
"Any thunderstorm could produce a quick heavy burst of rain, which can lead to flash flooding," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Samuhel said.
A localized number of the thunderstorms accompanying the steady rain can produce gusty winds, while small hail can occur in the showers and thunderstorms that follow the rain on Monday.
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It is not out of the question for a waterspout to touch down. Pounding surf will also put west- and northwest-facing beaches of central and Southern California at risk for coastal flooding.
Even in the absence of flooding, any downpours will create hazards for motorists by reducing visibility and heightening the risk of vehicles hydroplaning at highways speeds. Airline passengers should prepare for flight delays.
Residents around Los Angeles can anticipate a slow morning commute on Monday.
As was the case with the first storm, mudslides can once again be triggered and lead to road closures or damage to homes. Areas recently burned by wildfires are especially susceptible to the threat.

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The impending storm will be colder than the first system, meaning more snow at lower elevations in the mountains.
The northern and central Sierra will once again bear the brunt of the snowfall with a fresh 1 to 2 feet expected. Travel will become extremely treacherous to impossible at times. That is especially true as gusty winds severely blow and drift the snow around, creating blinding blizzard conditions.
Hazardous travel will also unfold in the mountains of Southern California, where snow will total 6 to 12 inches.
The storm will initially bring rain to the passes of Southern California, but the arrival of colder air will cause snow levels to fall and create slippery travel down to around 4,000 feet.
Travel can become severely impacted on the northern part of I-5's Grapevine section Monday afternoon and night.

"While most of the heavy rain in Southern California will have ended, snow and strong winds will stream into the Grapevine with the worst conditions for traveling occurring on Monday night," Samuhel said.
A bit of snow may also coat I-15's Cajon Pass at the same time.
The snow, as well as rain, will depart by Tuesday as drier air filters in and high pressure builds overhead.
The high will force the storm track back into the Northwest and northern California for midweek. Southern California will experience another dry spell until the stormy weather pattern resumes towards the new weekend.