Storm to unleash mountain snow and gusty winds over California, southwestern US
California will face a brief burst of rain and heavy mountain snow while gusty winds whip up over the Southwest through Monday morning.
The storm could pose disruptions to those heading back to work on Monday morning.
Precipitation will progress inland and southward across California.
Street flooding was reported around San Francisco early Monday morning as a band of heavy rain pushed through the city.
As a pocket of chilly air invades the storm, mountainous areas will changeover from rain to heavy, wet snow.
Travelers should prepare for slushy and snow covered roads.
Snow levels will drop by several thousand feet into Monday morning, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott.
There is the potential for a few slushy inches of snow to trigger slippery travel over Stampede Pass and Interstate 90's Snoqualmie Pass in the Washington Cascades.
In the Sierra, snow levels will fall from above 8,000 feet to around 5,000 feet into Monday morning.
Travelers over I-80's Donner Pass should prepare for chain requirements or closures as snowfall could surpass half a foot.
Strong wind gusts will whip around the snow and cause reduced visibility, in addition to heightening the risk of tree damage and sporadic power outages over the Sierra.
As the storm progresses eastward, the Great Basin may receive a coating of snow that can trigger isolated slick spots on the roadways following rain to start Monday. Gusty winds will begin to howl across the Southwest as well.
"Strong winds that can create hazards for high-profile vehicles, tree damage and scattered power outages will get kicked up ahead of the storm across the interior Southwest on Monday," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
“This includes along the I-15 corridor from Victorville, California, to Las Vegas to Salt Lake City.”
Holiday decorations should be properly secured to prevent them from being blown over and damaged.
The fire danger will also ramp up across a portion of the Four Corners states and the southern Plains due to the combination of dry air and gusty winds.
Behind the storm, Santa Ana winds will set up across Southern California on Monday night.
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