Winter Storm Warning as 48 Inches of Snow, 100 mph Winds Approach

The National Weather Service issued a significant weather warning on Monday, Dec. 22 as heavy rain and snow bring devastating floods to California.

""On Monday, the flow from the ocean will produce heavy rain over parts of Northern California. Therefore, the WPC has issued a Moderate Risk (level 3/4) of excessive rainfall over parts of Northern California through Tuesday morning. Numerous flash flooding events are possible," the NWS said. "In addition, many streams may flood, potentially affecting larger rivers. The flooding may include debris flows in or near recently burned areas. Snow will also develop over the highest elevations of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains, the Cascades, the Northern Intermountain Region, and the Northern Rockies on Monday and Tuesday."

Mayor Mike Littau of Redding, CA said on social media on Sunday that the floods had killed one person, as parts of Shasta County saw as much as six inches of rain.

Several Feet of Snow, 100 mph Winds Expected

As much of northern California deals with heavy flooding from atmospheric rivers, other parts of the state (along the border with Nevada) are bracing for up to 48 inches of snow and winds up to 100 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory and a winter storm watch for the greater Lake Taoe area.

"Additional snow accumulations between 2 to 10 inches above 8,000 feet. Ridgetop gusts as high as 100 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 1 to 2 feet at lake level with 2 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet. Ridgetop gusts as high as 100 mph," the NWS said in a weather alert.

It also issued a warning that travel in the area could be "impossible."

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. The combination of strong winds and the weight of heavy snow accumulations could damage trees and power lines," the NWS said.

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