A powerful winter storm is impacting California, marking the arrival of the coldest air mass in three years for the state. This severe weather is expected to bring over three feet of snow to the Sierra Nevadas and intense rainfall to lower elevations, particularly in regions like Los Angeles and San Diego, where there is an elevated risk of flooding due to previous wildfires.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings indicating that multi-day snowfall could exceed a foot in various areas, with some mountainous regions projected to receive snowfall between three to five feet at elevations above 6,000 feet. Furthermore, for the highest elevations, snowfall could reach as much as seven feet. The warnings are particularly focused on areas near Yosemite National Park and are set to remain in effect until the specified deadline, highlighting the urgency of local conditions.

This winter storm is part of a broader weather trend affecting the West Coast and is a reminder of the significant impact that such conditions can have, from road safety hazards to power outages. Local communities are bracing for potential disruptions, and emergency services remain on alert as they prepare for increased incidents related to snow and flooding as a response to these hazardous weather situations.