Bensweather.com Forecast Updated: Thursday, Feb 23 @ 01:15am
One of the largest series of winter storms that we have experienced in 10-20+ years has arrived. Most areas have already received over a half foot to a foot in the past 24 hours and we are just getting started! A very strong west-northwesterly/onshore flow backed by a powerful jet will direct moisture and instability into the area with snow showers continuing, heavy at times through this morning. Cold and windy with west winds gusting to around 40 mph as temperatures once again only reach the mid 20's. This will create extremely dangerous driving conditions with wind chills down to -10°F, traveling anywhere is highly discouraged. Expect more of the same throughout the day with snow showers continuing through tonight, occasionally heavy with gusty winds and near white-out conditions. The snow level may rise to around 3,000 feet with additional accumulations of 8-16 inches are possible through tonight. Our main storm arrives late tomorrow or tomorrow night, so we will get a few breaks in the action at times, but as low pressure and associated cold front barrels down the California coast, it will tap into a weak atmospheric river with snowfall increasing in intensity again by Friday night with blizzard-like conditions expected into Saturday. Snowfall rates up to 1-3 inches per hour will be possible at times, allowing the snow to pile up! Additional snowfall accumulations Friday into Saturday of 1-2 feet are likely bringing our storm total in the 2-4 foot range, isolated higher amounts around 4-6 feet are possible in a few areas, especially at resort level. Snow showers will taper off Sunday with a short break Monday before our next storm arrives Tuesday into Wednesday bringing another decent burst of snow, not out of the question we could pick up another 6-12" of snow next week. Traveling during this time is highly discouraged, if you must, be prepared for extremely dangerous winter weather driving in blizzard & white-out conditions. Have a full tank of gas, pack extra food, water, blankets, warm clothing, medicines, and anything else you might need should you become stranded, and always carry chains!
