Bay Area hills wake up in white: Snow crowns Mount Diablo range amid cold snap

A cold February storm turned the familiar brown ridgelines of the Mount Diablo range white Wednesday, dusting higher elevations east of Oakland and San Jose with a rare coating of snow.

The snowfall, visible from communities including Pleasanton, followed overnight rain and dropping temperatures across the Bay Area. Low clouds clung to the peaks through much of the morning, softening the rugged hills into a winter scene more typical of the Sierra than the East Bay.

Forecasters called for continued cold temperatures and scattered showers Thursday, with snow levels remaining low enough to affect the highest inland ridges.

While accumulations were light and confined to higher elevations, the brief transformation drew double takes from commuters and residents accustomed to seeing the hills in shades of gold and green this time of year.

More wet weather is expected before the system moves out, keeping the region in a wintry pattern through the end of the week.

Did you spot snow on the East Bay or South Bay hills? Send us your photos — include your name and where the picture was taken — and we may feature them in this gallery. Email gsama@bayareanewsgroup.com