NWS Issues ‘Winter Storm Watch’ with Over 2 Feet of Snow Forecast for NorCal
It’s not over yet, folks. In fact, this weird winter weather in May is just getting started.
A rare May storm brought nearly a foot of snow and inches of rain to Northern California this week, and there’s a lot more on the way. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for NorCal and predicted up to 30 inches of snow for high elevation areas between Saturday and Monday.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, already digging itself out of 23-foot-high walls of snow, is forecast to see the brunt of the storm with 24 to 30 inches of snow is expected on Lassen Peak:
May is beginning to look a lot like March as oddly chilly temperatures are forecast for the weekend:
Meanwhile, the two ski resorts that have managed to stay open this season are seeing a rare May resurgence, with skiers trading in their spring attire for powder days:
May pow turns with @TravisGanong Photos shot this morning by Ben Arnst #springskiingcapital #squawvalley pic.twitter.com/QyT80VzK8p
— Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows (@squawalpine) May 16, 2019
2 inches of fresh snow last night and that’s just the beginning. Heavenly could see up to 6-8 inches through the weekend. May pow days anyone? See you all at the Gondola tomorrow.
— SkiHeavenly (@skiheavenly) May 16, 2019
📸 5.16.19 #skiheavenly #skicalifornia #skinevada #finishstrong #tahoetanlines pic.twitter.com/GSF1Gvig0g
The snow in the Sierra Nevada is causing travel delays as I-80 and Highway 50 are seeing on-and-off chain controls throughout the storm. Check with CalTrans before driving in the Tahoe area.
This Saturday through Monday storm is rare, but what’s even more rare is the weather forecast for the rest of May. Following some reprieve from the precipitation on Monday night, storms are expected to hit NorCal for the foreseeable future.
That’s right, rain and snow are in the forecast for the next two weeks:
And you thought the historic winter of 2019 was over… Stay dry out there!
