SUMMARY
- California rain storm expands statewide by Monday
- Flooding risk rises in urban corridors
- Snowpack boost expected in higher elevations
A California rain storm arriving late Saturday will bring heavy rain, mountain snow and gusty winds across the West Coast through Monday as a Pacific low pressure system moves inland near the San Francisco Bay Area.
Forecasters say the system marks a major pattern shift after prolonged dryness, affecting transportation, reservoirs and wildfire risk.
Winter storms have been sporadic this season, leaving below average soil moisture across southern regions including Los Angeles.
“Moisture transport from the Pacific is unusually focused,” said David Roth, meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center.
Kelly Redmond, climatologist at the Western Regional Climate Center, said the California rain storm may temporarily ease drought but not end it.
“We prepare sandbags when rainfall exceeds winter norms,” said Maria Gutierrez, emergency coordinator in Sonoma County.
Truck driver Alan Chen said mountain routes may close due to snow. Additional Pacific disturbances may follow midweek.
Officials urge monitoring alerts as the California rain storm reshapes water supply and travel conditions.
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