California And Nevada Brace For Major Back-To-Back Winter Storms Bringing Catastrophic Flooding And Up To 6 Feet Of Sierra Snow
CALIFORNIA — A pair of powerful winter storms is set to hit Southern California and the Sierra Nevada region, bringing heavy rain, catastrophic flooding risks, dangerous mountain snow, and severe travel impacts from Wednesday through Thursday. Forecast data shows this will be one of the highest-impact storm events of the season, with threats extending into Nevada and parts of Las Vegas.
Major Storm Impacts Expected
Meteorologists warn that the incoming storm systems will bring widespread rainfall of 1–3 inches, with 3–6 inches likely across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Burn scar areas are at high risk for flash flooding, and experts caution that debris flows and mudslides could occur, especially in zones previously affected by wildfires.
In addition to heavy rainfall, mountain regions may see up to 12 inches of rain, increasing the likelihood of runoff and road washouts. Officials urge residents in flood-prone communities to prepare early and monitor changing conditions throughout the multi-day storm period.
Extreme Sierra Nevada Winter Storm
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are forecast to experience 3–6 feet of snow above 7,000 feet, with locally higher amounts possible. Wind gusts are expected to exceed 100 mph, creating whiteout conditions and making travel extremely dangerous or impossible.
Blizzard-like conditions may force intermittent closures of major passes, and authorities emphasize that travel in the Sierra should be avoided during peak impact hours due to life-threatening visibility and avalanche concerns.
Additional Risks Extend Into Nevada
Significant flooding is also possible in parts of Las Vegas, where saturated desert terrain may struggle to absorb repeated heavy rainfall. The broader West Coast region is expected to experience secondary impacts including road closures, flight delays, and potential power outages.
Forecasters stress that weather awareness is critical: This is expected to be a high-impact event, and preparedness will be essential for those in the storm’s path.
Residents across both California and Nevada are urged to secure property, avoid flood-prone routes, and stay updated as conditions evolve throughout the week. If you have family in the affected regions, encourage them to monitor local alerts and avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm. Stay safe and stay weather-aware.
