West Coast storm brings snow, flooding and elevated fire threat
The storm is bringing multiple hazards.
— -- A significant storm is moving across the West Coast today, bringing multiple hazards including heavy rain, flooding, mountain snow and strong winds.
High wind warnings are in effect for parts of Oregon, California, and Nevada for gusts up to 70 mph that could cause damage, flight delays and also bring elevated fire danger.
Several states are under winter weather alerts for heavy snow across the western mountain ranges over the next few days -- up to 3 feet of snow is possible for the Sierras.
As heavy rain moves into the coastal areas, there is a flood threat from Portland to San Francisco. The biggest concern for flooding is in the recent burn area north of San Francisco.
Moderate rain is currently moving through parts of northern California and Portland with isolated flooding, debris flow and rock slides possible. The heaviest rain will hit San Francisco and the Bay Area this evening into Thursday morning with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour forecast, which could cause pockets of flash flooding.
On Friday morning, heavy snow will continue to pile up across the mountains as colder air spills in behind the cold front.
By Saturday, the system is tracking east across the country, and it could bring hazardous travel conditions to parts of the Great Lakes and East Coast.