New images from NASA show the huge difference a few stormy days can make.
The image below shows the Sierra Nevada range as seen from space on Feb. 12 (left), and 10 days later (right).
By Sunday, the visible snow had expanded significantly down mountain ranges into lower altitudes, and blanketed parts of the Southern Sierra that were barren just 10 days earlier.
Two weeks ago, on Feb. 9, the Sierra Nevada mountains held just 53% of their average historical snow level for that date. By Sunday, the snowpack was at 73% of the typical level, per data from the California Department of Water Resources.
The Northern Sierra lagged behind the rest of the mountain range, seeing just 53% of its typical level of snow as of Sunday. The Central Sierra was at 73%, while the Southern Sierra saw the biggest gain, reaching 98% of its normal snow-pack.
The image below shows the Sierra on Oct. 10, 2025 (left) — before the winter storm season began — and again on Sunday (right).
The change in California’s landscape over four months was stunning, as snow blanketed the Sierra and the Central Valley turned from brown to green.
However, the stormy weather has not been without consequence. Near Lake Tahoe, the snow turned deadly as nine skiers were killed on Feb. 17 in the deadliest avalanche in modern California history.
Later that week, two more skiers died at Heavenly resort’s Boulder Lodge. Authorities have not released more information but were investigating the deaths.
The first of two powerful winter storm systems is arriving now. Both will bring heavy snow to the Sierra along with rounds of rain and windy conditions for the Valley and lower Foothills. The KCRA 3 weather team is issuing Weather Alert Days for Monday and Tuesday because of snow reaching lower elevations, extended duration of rain, and strong winds. Travel is discouraged on Alert Days because of risky conditions posed by weather on Alert Days.Intense snowfall rates and strong winds will make travel difficult to impossible above 5,000 feet. The snow level will drop as low as 2,500 feet with the best accumulation above 3,000 feet.Wednesday is a KCRA 3 weather Impact Day; conditions will not be as risky, but travel and outdoor activities are likely to be affected. Snow will continue to fall, but the intensity will ease. Long delays are still likely throughout the day. The Valley and Foothills will have stormy weather to deal with each of these days, too. Below is a breakdown of what the KCRA 3 weather team is expecting. SnowMountain snow is in the forecast any time between Sunday night and Wednesday. Snow will be heaviest on Monday but more widespread on Tuesday. During Monday, snow could accumulate at one to two inches per hour. This, combined with strong winds, could create blizzard-like conditions with near-zero visibility. Sunday’s snow level will be around 5,500 feet. By Monday, the snow level will drop to 4,500 feet. It continues dropping to 3,000 feet by Tuesday and bottoms out Wednesday as some snow accumulates as low as 2,000 feet.Donner and Echo Summit could pick up three to five feet of snow between Monday and Wednesday. Similar totals are possible down to 5,000 feet, which includes places like Blue Canyon. The Tahoe Basin should prepare for two to three feet of snow.People living at 4,000 feet should prepare for the possibility of disruptive snowfall and closures next week. A foot of snow is possible at this elevation. Some accumulation is possible as low as 2,500 feet. The KCRA 3 weather team will focus on numbers for lower elevations over the next couple of days.RainRainfall totals will pale in comparison to snow numbers next week. The storm track will bring systems in from the north, where air tends to be dry, rather than from the south, which tends to breed warm, wet storms. There is no atmospheric river connection with next week’s pattern. Rain will arrive spotty at first on Sunday, spreading in from the coast through the afternoon. Expect widespread showers by evening that will persist into Monday morning.The Sacramento Valley will see one to two inches of rain between Sunday night and Wednesday. Lower numbers are forecast for the San Joaquin Valley.The Foothills will see up to two to four inches of rain over three days. Rain totals in these ranges are enough to keep things wet for several days, and there may be some street flooding in poor drainage areas. Creeks, streams and rivers will not flood. WindWhile winds can be expected on both days, the strongest winds will arrive as the second colder system barrels through the regin.The Valley and Foothills may experience wind gusts near 45 mph for a few hours at a time. Sierra wind gusts will peak near 50 mph. Gusts over the Sierra summits could top 100 mph.Wind gusts of 45 mph can make a mess of any yard furniture, décor or trash bins, but major damage is not currently expected.Winds could trigger outages in the Sierra. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
The first of two powerful winter storm systems is arriving now. Both will bring heavy snow to the Sierra along with rounds of rain and windy conditions for the Valley and lower Foothills.
The KCRA 3 weather team is issuing Weather Alert Days for Monday and Tuesday because of snow reaching lower elevations, extended duration of rain, and strong winds. Travel is discouraged on Alert Days because of risky conditions posed by weather on Alert Days.
Intense snowfall rates and strong winds will make travel difficult to impossible above 5,000 feet. The snow level will drop as low as 2,500 feet with the best accumulation above 3,000 feet.
Wednesday is a KCRA 3 weather Impact Day; conditions will not be as risky, but travel and outdoor activities are likely to be affected. Snow will continue to fall, but the intensity will ease. Long delays are still likely throughout the day.
The Valley and Foothills will have stormy weather to deal with each of these days, too.
Below is a breakdown of what the KCRA 3 weather team is expecting.
Snow
Mountain snow is in the forecast any time between Sunday night and Wednesday.
Snow will be heaviest on Monday but more widespread on Tuesday. During Monday, snow could accumulate at one to two inches per hour. This, combined with strong winds, could create blizzard-like conditions with near-zero visibility.
Sunday’s snow level will be around 5,500 feet. By Monday, the snow level will drop to 4,500 feet. It continues dropping to 3,000 feet by Tuesday and bottoms out Wednesday as some snow accumulates as low as 2,000 feet.
Donner and Echo Summit could pick up three to five feet of snow between Monday and Wednesday. Similar totals are possible down to 5,000 feet, which includes places like Blue Canyon. The Tahoe Basin should prepare for two to three feet of snow.
People living at 4,000 feet should prepare for the possibility of disruptive snowfall and closures next week. A foot of snow is possible at this elevation.
Some accumulation is possible as low as 2,500 feet. The KCRA 3 weather team will focus on numbers for lower elevations over the next couple of days.
Rain
Rainfall totals will pale in comparison to snow numbers next week.
The storm track will bring systems in from the north, where air tends to be dry, rather than from the south, which tends to breed warm, wet storms.
There is no atmospheric river connection with next week’s pattern.
Rain will arrive spotty at first on Sunday, spreading in from the coast through the afternoon. Expect widespread showers by evening that will persist into Monday morning.
The Sacramento Valley will see one to two inches of rain between Sunday night and Wednesday. Lower numbers are forecast for the San Joaquin Valley.
The Foothills will see up to two to four inches of rain over three days.
Rain totals in these ranges are enough to keep things wet for several days, and there may be some street flooding in poor drainage areas.
Creeks, streams and rivers will not flood.
Wind
While winds can be expected on both days, the strongest winds will arrive as the second colder system barrels through the regin.
The Valley and Foothills may experience wind gusts near 45 mph for a few hours at a time. Sierra wind gusts will peak near 50 mph. Gusts over the Sierra summits could top 100 mph.
Wind gusts of 45 mph can make a mess of any yard furniture, décor or trash bins, but major damage is not currently expected.
Northern California forecast: Showers move in Sunday, stormy stretch begins
While Sunday may start with a few showers, the day will eventually turn rainier as the first of two storm systems moves into the region.
HELP IS GOING TO ARRIVE OR NOT. REPORTING FOR US TONIGHT. LET’S CHECK IN WITH OUR METEOROLOGIST, OPHELIA YOUNG, WHO’S TRACKING THE STORM SYSTEM FOR US. AND HERE’S PERPETRATOR NUMBER ONE. IT IS A BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE SPINNING OFF THE COAST, FOLLOWED BY PERPETRATOR NUMBER TWO, THAT IS SPINNING NORTH OF THE ALEUTIANS. AND I SAY THAT VERY LOVINGLY, BECAUSE WE DO NEED THE RAIN AND WE NEED THE SNOW, DESPITE THE MESS THAT IT’S GOING TO CAUSE THESE NEXT FEW DAYS. RAIN ALREADY QUIETLY CREEPING INTO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. WE HAVE A FEW SHOWERS IN THE COASTAL RANGE NOW IN THE NORTH VALLEY. EVEN THUNDER AND LIGHTNING JUST NORTH OF CHICO. FEW SHOWERS ARE POSSIBLE OVERNIGHT, BUT THAT’S ALL WE’LL HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THROUGH YOUR SUNDAY MORNING. IN FACT, WE MIGHT EVEN START OFF YOUR SUNDAY WITH A LITTLE SUNSHINE. THAT RAIN WILL BE MOVING INTO THE WEST COAST BY AFTERNOON. IT WILL SPILL INTO THE VALLEY AND THROUGH DINNER TIME. CHANCE OF RAIN IS GOING TO INCREASE. YOUR SUNDAY EVENING IS GOING TO BE A WET ONE. THAT IS HOW WE’RE GOING TO END YOUR WEEKEND AND START YOUR WORKWEEK WITH SOME SCATTERED SHOWERS. SO UP UNTIL THEN, WE’RE STILL IN THE WARM SECTOR OF THE STORM. TEMPERATURES ARE NOT GOING TO DROP OFF TOO MUCH. IN FACT, TONIGHT WE’LL KEEP THINGS IN THE UPPER 40S. 47 DEGREES YOUR OVERNIGHT LOW WITH A LIGHT BREEZE. TOMORROW. HOWEVER, AS THAT STORM SYSTEM PUSHES IN, THAT PRESSURE GRADIENT IS GOING TO TIGHTEN. WE’LL FEEL A LITTLE BIT OF BREEZE PICK UP OUT OF THE SOUTH ABOUT 10 TO 15MPH, BUT WILL STILL KEEP TEMPERATURES COMFORTABLE, TOPPING OUT AT 64 DEGREES IN YUBA CITY, 61 STOCKTON 62 AUBURN AND PLACERVILLE STILL ONCE AGAIN FLIRTING WITH THE 60S AND TRUCKEE AND SOUTH LAKE TAHOE TEMPERATURES CLIMBING INTO THE LOW 40S. AND THE WARMTH IS GOING TO FADE AFTER THAT. AFTER STORM NUMBER ONE MOVES THROUGH, STORM NUMBER TWO IS GOING TO DROP IN. THE QUIET AREA IS GOING TO BE THE QUIET PERIOD IS GOING TO BE MONDAY NIGHT. DRIER BUT BREEZY WITH A FEW SNOW SHOWERS STILL LINGERING IN THE SIERRA. MAYBE A COUPLE SHOWERS IN THE FOOTHILLS, BUT STORM NUMBER TWO DROPS IN. IT’S GOING TO BE WINDY AND COLDER. YOU SAW WHERE IT’S ORIGINATING. IT’S GOING TO DROP RIGHT OUT OF THE GULF OF ALASKA. SO THIS ONE IS GOING TO BE AN EVEN SNOWIER SYSTEM. AND IT’S GOING TO BE DRY, WHICH MEANS A LOT OF THAT SNOW IS GOING TO BE FLUFFY. NOW, FORECAST MODELS ARE INDICATING THAT WE’LL GET AN ADDITIONAL WAVE WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. SO A FEW SHOWERS ARE LINGERING THEN, BUT NOTHING AS IMPACTFUL AS MONDAY AND TUESDAY. SO THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. SNOW IS GOING TO BE OUR PRIMARY CONCERN WITH THESE TWO SYSTEMS. WE’RE LOOKING AT 2 TO 5FT OF SNOW ABOVE 5000FT, AND EVEN DOWN TO 2500FT IN ELEVATION. AREAS COULD SEE SOME SNOW AND THE RAIN IN THE VALLEY. 1 TO 2IN OF RAIN. BUT WITH THOSE GUSTS UP TO 45MPH AT TIMES COULD BE QUITE MESSY. HERE IN THE VALLEY AS WELL. NOW WE MADE THIS GRAPHIC SO THOSE IN THE FOOTHILLS, THE SIERRA CAN FIGURE OUT WHEN THAT SNOW IS GOING TO ARRIVE TO THEM DOWN TO 4500FT ON MONDAY. SO AREAS LIKE BLUE CANYON COULD SEE SOME SNOW AS EARLY AS MONDAY. ON TUESDAY, SNOW LEVEL DROPPING TO 3000FT ON WEDNESDAY, ABOUT 20 500FT. THAT’S WHERE IT’S GOING TO BOTTOM OUT. BUT IT LOOKS LIKE TUESDAY IS GOING TO BE THE DAY WHERE ABUNDANT PRECIPITATION IS GOING TO MEET. WITH THAT PLUMMETING SNOW LEVEL, WHICH DOES MEAN THAT ON THAT DAY WILL BE PARTICULARLY WATCHING SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AT 3000FT LOOKS LIKE 8 TO 10IN OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE. SO WE’RE TALKING LOW SNOW HERE IN THE VALLEY. HOWEVER, JUST THE RAIN THAT WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT. BREEZY. SO AGAIN MONDAY THE RAINIER DAY, BREEZY WINDS TUESDAY HOWEVER, WILL BE THE WINDIER DAY. THERE WILL BE SOME RAIN, BUT NOT AS MUCH AS MONDAY. WEDNESDAY REMAINS AN IMPACT DAY FOR TRAVEL, BASICALLY GOING ANYWHERE. IT’S GOING TO BE SLICK, WET, ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE SIERRA THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. NOW THURSDAY WE’RE LOOKING AT A COUPLE SHOWERS THAT WILL STILL LINGER. FRIDAY NOW LOOKS TO BE THE CLEANUP DAY. WE NEE
Northern California forecast: Showers move in Sunday, stormy stretch begins
While Sunday may start with a few showers, the day will eventually turn rainier as the first of two storm systems moves into the region.
While Sunday may start with a few showers, the day will eventually turn rainier as the first of two storm systems moves into the region.Sunday will still be warmer than normal, with valley temperatures peaking in the mid 60s. Highs in the foothills will be in the upper 50s, with Sierra temperatures warming into the mid 40s. A southerly breeze will increase, with afternoon winds sustained at 10–15 mph.Rain will arrive spotty at first, spreading in from the coast through the afternoon. Expect widespread showers by evening that will persist into Monday morning.Monday and Tuesday are marked as Weather Alert Days for the arrival of two winter storm systems. The first, arriving Sunday through Monday, will be the rainier system. The second, arriving Tuesday from mid-morning through the afternoon, will be the windier and colder storm, with plummeting snow levels.Between the two systems, we’re expecting 1–2 inches of valley rain and 2–5 feet of mountain snow, with a couple of feet possible in the Tahoe Basin. Snow levels start at 5,500 feet on Sunday, dropping as low as 2,500 feet by Wednesday morning.While the second storm winds down for the region Tuesday afternoon, additional energy drops south on Wednesday and will bring a few more showers and breezy winds to the valley. Snow will continue in the Sierra and may linger through Wednesday evening.While weather clears Thursday, some forecast models call for more unsettled weather at the end of the week and into next weekend.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
While Sunday may start with a few showers, the day will eventually turn rainier as the first of two storm systems moves into the region.
Sunday will still be warmer than normal, with valley temperatures peaking in the mid 60s. Highs in the foothills will be in the upper 50s, with Sierra temperatures warming into the mid 40s. A southerly breeze will increase, with afternoon winds sustained at 10–15 mph.
Rain will arrive spotty at first, spreading in from the coast through the afternoon. Expect widespread showers by evening that will persist into Monday morning.
Monday and Tuesday are marked as Weather Alert Days for the arrival of two winter storm systems. The first, arriving Sunday through Monday, will be the rainier system. The second, arriving Tuesday from mid-morning through the afternoon, will be the windier and colder storm, with plummeting snow levels.
Between the two systems, we’re expecting 1–2 inches of valley rain and 2–5 feet of mountain snow, with a couple of feet possible in the Tahoe Basin. Snow levels start at 5,500 feet on Sunday, dropping as low as 2,500 feet by Wednesday morning.
While the second storm winds down for the region Tuesday afternoon, additional energy drops south on Wednesday and will bring a few more showers and breezy winds to the valley. Snow will continue in the Sierra and may linger through Wednesday evening.
While weather clears Thursday, some forecast models call for more unsettled weather at the end of the week and into next weekend.
Dozens of people across multiple states have been confirmed dead after a powerful winter storm swept through large parts of the country, leaving a trail of damage and extreme cold lingering in its wake.
As of Friday, CBS News has confirmed at least 76 deaths directly caused by storm conditions or weather-related accidents, with officials in numerous states reporting about two dozen additional deaths that appear to be related to the winter weather.
Hypothermia from exposure to the cold, car accidents, snowplow accidents, sledding accidents and sudden cardiac emergencies linked to shoveling snow were among the causes of death reported so far. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said 10 people had been found dead in the cold there, though not all of their causes of death had been confirmed yet.
The winter storm swept across two-thirds of the United States over the weekend and into Monday, affecting some 200 million people with a mixture of heavy snow, rain, sleet and freezing temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
Frigid conditions have persisted through the week, with cold air gripping the eastern half of the country and continuing to drive temperatures far below normal, CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan said.
The weather service warned that this “could be the longest duration of cold in several decades.”
Extreme cold alerts remained in effect through Thursday across parts of the eastern U.S., with wind chills well below zero degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures hovered between 15 and 25 degrees below the average for this time of year. In and around New York City, wind chills ranged from minus-15 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, CBS New York reported. And another surge of Arctic air was on its way.
Ongoing power outages
Hundreds of thousands of customers remained without power for days after the weekend’s snowstorm. As of Wednesday night, more than 312,000 outages were reported, primarily in southern and southeastern states, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us.
The outages were most widespread in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, with some outages also reported in Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina and Georgia.
New snowstorm possible
Meteorologists have also warned of another Arctic blast headed southward into the U.S. that was expected to arrive later this week, potentially bringing with it a string of record low temperatures. Pockets of the Northeast should prepare for more snow, as cold air moving across the Great Lakes fuels some downwind snowfall off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Lake effect snow warnings were in effect through Thursday night in portions of upstate and western New York, including in cities such as Buffalo, Syracuse, Watertown and Rochester, which could see 1 to 2 feet of snow or more, according to the National Weather Service.
Massachusetts residents were also bracing for what meteorologists have described as a potential “bomb cyclone” over the upcoming weekend, CBS Boston reported, although the forecast for that possible storm remained uncertain at mid-week. A bomb cyclone is a rapidly strengthening storm system, and meteorologists said this one could bring snow, wind and offshore wave heights similar to a hurricane.
Ripley, Mississippi — A large white generator on a flatbed tow truck was a beacon of hope Thursday for the volunteer fire department in the small northern Mississippi community of Gravestown, which has been without power and running water for five days following an ice storm the likes of which the state hasn’t seen in more than 30 years.
“We’re very grateful for them,” Gravestown Fire Chief Kenny Childs told CBS News of the dozens of generators that have been distributed statewide by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the wake of the storm. “We had no water, no power, no nothing. So, you know, it is great.”
Childs said he’s been informed by the leadership of his local electric company that it will be another seven to 15 days before his community gets power restored, so the generator will be a crucial item for the near future.
“That’s a lot with no power,” Childs said.
A generator provided by FEMA to Gravestown, Mississippi. Jan. 29, 2026.
CBS News
FEMA has sent 90 generators to Mississippi since last weekend’s storm. Subcontractors hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are installing them at critical agencies and businesses, like long-term care facilities, hospitals, water districts and fire departments.
Childs said the generator at his fire house will not only help his team respond to emergencies, but it will also provide a warm shelter for Gravestown residents to come stay and charge their electronic items, such as cell phones.
“It will help the community, and it will help us, it’s wonderful,” Childs said.
Senior electrician Kenny Jones, of Atlanta, Georgia, has been traveling the Southeast for several days to help install the generators in hard-hit areas.
“It’s amazing,” Jones said. “Actually, you see the smile on people’s faces when you actually bring power to them, and they get hot water again and able to take showers. Just a cozy feeling on the inside.”
About an hour south, in Oxford, Mississippi, hundreds of power crews from several neighboring states have arrived to help repair miles of downed power lines the storm left in its wake.
This image taken from a video released by the city of Oxford, Mississippi, shows crews working on power lines on Jan. 27, 2026.
City of Oxford Mississippi via AP
Keith Hayward, CEO of the Northeast Mississippi Power Association, said the ice accumulation was overwhelming, despite an updated, more reinforced system in place.
“We believe we had an inch-and-a-quarter (of) ice over most of our system, which is basically a record for anything around this area,” Hayward said. “We’ve had tree damage that is unbelievable… and by the time the ice loading gets to that kind of loading, with an inch of ice on either side, those poles are holding up nearly 10,000 pounds of extra weight. And, so, you can just imagine when a tree falls and they have that extra weight, what it does to the power systems.”
He added, “We haven’t lost a ton of poles, but we have got a lot of wire on the ground. A lot of tree damage, a lot of vegetation damage. A lot of people have trees on their houses. They can’t get out of their driveways, and it is system wide. We cover 2,200 miles of primary line that we have over about a 75-mile radius, and it was from one side to the other.”
While he believes most customers will get power back on within the next three days, he says it could still be another week for some of his more rural customers.
“It is very, very, disheartening for me… I grew up in this community. I’ve lived here my entire life,” Hayward said. “I feel for them, they have to go through these conditions and, you know, the loss that they’re suffering, not only from not having power, but the damage that they’ve had on their homes and things.”
For Oxford residents like Jerrica Pryor, a teacher at a local middle school, relief can’t come soon enough. With no power and no running water, she has been living off snack food, and spending time in her car to warm up periodically.
She uses a small space heater sparingly to warm up at night.
“It has been difficult,” Pryor said. “Lots of blankets, lots and lots of blankets.”
With tears in her eyes, she said she was most worried about her students and how they’re faring in the dark and cold.
“I do miss them, I just hope they’re well,” she said. “It hurts a little bit, because they are on a different side, and I’m able to stay warm, and I just hope they are as well.”
Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill said the city is doing everything possible to restore basic services to residents. She likened the storm to something more like a tornado.
Due to a water pressure issue, the city had to turn off water supplies to several neighborhoods to ensure the city’s hospital had enough water to care for patients. Tannehill believes the water pressure issue may have been caused by burst pipes that froze during the storm, or by heightened water demands from so many residents dripping pipes to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
Lafayette County Emergency Management has set up several new ready-to-eat meal and water distribution sites for residents in dire straights. The National Guard arrived in Oxford on Wednesday to help deliver those supplies to people in need.
Lafayette County, which includes the city of Oxford, has set a distribution limit of three days’ worth of supplies per person “to help ensure supplies reach as many residents as possible,” Lafayette County spokesperson Bo Moore said.
As of Thursday evening, Moore said nearly half of Lafayette County was still without power.
A National Guard helicopter in Lafayette County, Mississippi. January 2026.
Bo Moore/Lafayette County
Moore also told CBS News the county is using the National Guard’s helicopter for medical transports to Memphis, Tennessee, because the roads are still too hazardous for ambulances to drive through safely.
“It’s going to be a long road to recovery,” Tannehill responded when asked when things may get back to normal. “It’s hard to even get our minds to that right now when we still have people without power and without water.”
A massive winter storm has disrupted travel and cut power to thousands across the United States, with more than 13,000 flights canceled over the weekend as the system threatens nearly 180 million people—more than half the U.S. population—with widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
The storm stretched from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England on Saturday, prompting President Donald Trump to approve emergency declarations for at least a dozen states. About 140,000 power outages were reported in the storm’s path, including more than 58,000 in Louisiana and 50,000 in Texas, according to poweroutage.us.
Meteorologists had warned the storm’s severity could rival that of a hurricane, particularly in areas facing significant ice accumulation. On Friday, WCNC chief meteorologist Brad Panovich issued a stark warning to residents in the Carolinas.
“This isn’t a ‘fun snow day.’ This is a damaging ice event,” Panovich posted on X. “We have been lucky for a long time, but the data is showing a setup that demands respect and preparation.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that snow and ice would be “very, very slow to melt and won’t be going away anytime soon,” hindering recovery efforts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pre-positioned commodities, staff, and search and rescue teams in numerous states.
“We just ask that everyone would be smart—stay home if possible,” Noem said.
In Shelby County, Texas, near the Louisiana border, ice weighed down pine trees and caused branches to snap, downing power lines. About a third of the county’s 16,000 electric customers lost power on Saturday. In DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, more than half of all electric customers were without power, with trees “completely saturated with ice,” according to local officials.
Sunday’s flight cancellations are already the most on any single day since the coronavirus pandemic, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. All Saturday flights were canceled at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, with Sunday morning flights also called off. Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport saw more than 700 departing flights canceled Saturday, with nearly as many arriving flights scrubbed. By late Saturday afternoon, nearly all departing flights scheduled to leave Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Sunday had been canceled.
Georgia officials advised people in the state’s northern regions to get off roads by sundown Saturday and prepare to stay put for at least 48 hours. Will Lanxton, the senior state meteorologist, said Georgia could experience “perhaps the biggest ice storm we have expected in more than a decade.”
“Ice is a whole different ballgame than snow,” Lanxton said. “Ice, you can’t do anything with. You can’t drive on it. It’s much more likely to bring down power lines and trees.”
Georgia deployed 120 National Guard members to northeast Georgia, with 1,800 highway workers on 12-hour shifts treating roads with brine. After sweeping through the South, the storm was expected to dump more than 1 foot of snow in the Northeast.
The Midwest experienced windchills as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, where frostbite could set in within 10 minutes. Rhinelander, Wisconsin, recorded minus 36 degrees Saturday morning, the coldest reading in almost 30 years.
Panovich had warned Friday that areas could see up to 1 inch of ice accumulation, with particularly dangerous conditions expected in Charlotte, Asheville, Spartanburg, and Boone. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines previously told Newsweek that long-lasting power outages could persist up to a week in some of the hardest-hit areas.
“At 0.25 inches, tree limbs snap and power lines go down. At 0.50 inches or more, we are talking about widespread, long-duration power outages and impassable roads,” Panovich said in his Friday warning.
Schools announced Monday closures in Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, and Memphis, while universities including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Mississippi canceled classes. Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana were canceled or rescheduled, and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville held its Saturday night radio performance without fans.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced restrictions on commercial vehicle travel and a 35 mph speed limit on highways Saturday. “We are expecting a storm the likes of which we haven’t seen in years,” she said. “It’s a good weekend to stay indoors.”
NOAA meteorologist Josh Weiss noted the storm’s unusual characteristics. “You’ve got 2,000 miles of country that’s being impacted by the storm with snow, sleet, and freezing rain,” he said. “The other part of this storm that’s really impressive is what’s going to happen right afterward. We’re looking at extreme cold, record cold.”
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
As much of the United States prepares for a winter storm that is forecast to dump well above 12 inches of snow in some places this weekend, many are wondering: How much snow are we actually getting?
The slow-moving system will bring heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain to states spanning from the Southern Rockies to New England through Monday, the National Weather Service says.
The weather service has issued winter storm watches and warnings spanning more than 2,000 miles, and at least 17 states and Washington, D.C., have declared states of emergency.
Winter storm snow forecast
This map from CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan shows forecast snow totals for states nationwide, with some states possibly seeing up to two feet of snow in some areas.
This map on Jan. 24, 2026, shows forecast snow totals through Monday.
CBS News/Nikki Nolan
Texas and Southern Plains winter storm forecast
Oklahoma City could get between 18 and 22 inches of snow, while Tulsa is forecast to get between 18 and 20 inches. Amarillo, Texas, could see between 12 and 14 inches, while Little Rock, Arkansas, could see up to 12 inches. In the Dallas area, ice and sleet are the main concern, but there could also be a couple of inches of snow.
Local snowfall totals in the forecast for the winter storm in the Southern Plains.
CBS News
Ice is a major concern across the Southern Plains and Southeast, with parts of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee possibly seeing 0.75 inches of ice or more.
This map on Jan. 24, 226 shows forecast ice totals through Monday.
CBS News/Nikki Nolan
Ohio Valley winter storm forecast
Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis are forecast to see up to 12 inches of snow, while Louisville, Kentucky, could see as many as 22 inches. Pittsburgh could get a foot of snow or more. The forecast for St. Louis ranges from 7 to 14 inches of snow.
Local snowfall totals in the forecast for the winter storm in the Ohio Valley.
CBS News
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic winter storm forecast
The Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia areas are forecast to get between 10 and 14 inches of snow. The Boston area could get between 12 and 18 inches of snow, while New York City is forecast to see between 10 and 18 inches.
Local snowfall totals in the forecast for the winter storm in the Northeast.
Winter weather can upend even the best-laid travel plans, but one less thing to worry about is losing money if your flight is canceled: U.S. airlines are required to provide refunds.A major, dayslong winter storm is threatening to bring snow, sleet, ice and extensive power outages to about half the U.S. population. Thousands of weekend flights already have been canceled, and forecasters warn that catastrophic damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane.Here’s a guide for travelers as flight disruptions start stacking up: When airlines expect bad weather to create problems for flights, they often give travelers a chance to postpone their trips by a few days without having to pay a fee. Search online for your airline’s name and “travel alerts” or similar phrases to look for possible rescheduling offers.American Airlines, for example, said it is waiving change fees for passengers impacted by the storm, which brought freezing rain to parts of Texas on Friday. The Texas-based airline has canceled more than 1,200 flights scheduled to depart Saturday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.American also added extra flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport through at least Sunday — totaling more than 3,200 additional seats. Use the airline’s app to make sure your flight is still on before heading to the airport. Cancellations can happen hours or even days before departure time. If you’re already at the airport, get in line to speak to a customer service representative. If you’re still at home or at your hotel, call or go online to connect to your airline’s reservations staff. Either way, it helps to also research alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge, but it depends on the availability of open seats. You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including most of the biggest carriers, say they can put you on a partner airline, but even then, it can be a hit or miss. If your flight was canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or you’ve found another way to get to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money — even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.The airline might offer you a travel credit, but you are entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use. If you paid with a credit card, a refund is due within seven business days after you decline an offer from the airline for another flight or a voucher, and within 20 calendar days if you paid for the ticket with a check or cash, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. U.S. airlines aren’t required by the Transportation Department to compensate passengers for meals or lodging when an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight during an “uncontrollable” event like bad weather.Each airline, however, does have its own policies for assisting passengers who are stranded by a so-called “controllable” flight cancellation or long delay. These include disruptions caused by maintenance issues, crew shortages or computer outages that halt operations. The Transportation Department can hold airlines accountable for these commitments and maintains a website that lets travelers see what each airline promises if a major disruption is their fault. If the weather forecast is troubling, Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, suggests looking into booking a backup flight. Some airlines stand out as potential backups, Potter says, because they let customers get a full refund as long as they cancel within 24 hours of booking.The customer service phone lines will be slammed if flight cancellations and delays start stacking up during a bad storm. If you’re traveling with someone who has a higher frequent-flyer status, call the airline using their priority number. Another trick: Look up the airline’s international support number. Those agents can often rebook you just the same.
Winter weather can upend even the best-laid travel plans, but one less thing to worry about is losing money if your flight is canceled: U.S. airlines are required to provide refunds.
A major, dayslong winter storm is threatening to bring snow, sleet, ice and extensive power outages to about half the U.S. population. Thousands of weekend flights already have been canceled, and forecasters warn that catastrophic damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane.
Here’s a guide for travelers as flight disruptions start stacking up:
When airlines expect bad weather to create problems for flights, they often give travelers a chance to postpone their trips by a few days without having to pay a fee. Search online for your airline’s name and “travel alerts” or similar phrases to look for possible rescheduling offers.
American Airlines, for example, said it is waiving change fees for passengers impacted by the storm, which brought freezing rain to parts of Texas on Friday. The Texas-based airline has canceled more than 1,200 flights scheduled to depart Saturday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
American also added extra flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport through at least Sunday — totaling more than 3,200 additional seats.
Use the airline’s app to make sure your flight is still on before heading to the airport. Cancellations can happen hours or even days before departure time.
If you’re already at the airport, get in line to speak to a customer service representative. If you’re still at home or at your hotel, call or go online to connect to your airline’s reservations staff. Either way, it helps to also research alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent.
Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge, but it depends on the availability of open seats.
You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including most of the biggest carriers, say they can put you on a partner airline, but even then, it can be a hit or miss.
If your flight was canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or you’ve found another way to get to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money — even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn’t matter why the flight was canceled.
The airline might offer you a travel credit, but you are entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn’t get to use.
If you paid with a credit card, a refund is due within seven business days after you decline an offer from the airline for another flight or a voucher, and within 20 calendar days if you paid for the ticket with a check or cash, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
U.S. airlines aren’t required by the Transportation Department to compensate passengers for meals or lodging when an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight during an “uncontrollable” event like bad weather.
Each airline, however, does have its own policies for assisting passengers who are stranded by a so-called “controllable” flight cancellation or long delay. These include disruptions caused by maintenance issues, crew shortages or computer outages that halt operations. The Transportation Department can hold airlines accountable for these commitments and maintains a website that lets travelers see what each airline promises if a major disruption is their fault.
If the weather forecast is troubling, Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, suggests looking into booking a backup flight. Some airlines stand out as potential backups, Potter says, because they let customers get a full refund as long as they cancel within 24 hours of booking.
The customer service phone lines will be slammed if flight cancellations and delays start stacking up during a bad storm. If you’re traveling with someone who has a higher frequent-flyer status, call the airline using their priority number. Another trick: Look up the airline’s international support number. Those agents can often rebook you just the same.
More than half the country’s population is in the path of a major winter storm, with some regions forecast to see more than a foot of snow — but accumulating ice may cause even bigger problems.
Ice will be a serious hazard for some parts of the country, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially “catastrophic accumulation.” In areas that see freezing rain, sleet and snow, frigid temperatures in the days after the storm will keep things frozen.
Hot Springs, Arkansas Mayor Pat McCabe told CBS News that he expects ice to be “a real problem” for residents and utility services in the area.
“Ice is really problematic. We’ll deal with a little bit of snow. We’ve had major snow events,” McCabe said. “Then it warms up and then it gets cold again, and so the melting snow turns to ice and we still end up with ice even if we had snow.”
Ice can weigh down power lines, causing widespread outages, and the frigid conditions and high demand can strain the power grid. That’s a big concern as far south as Texas. In the Lone Star State, a paralyzing ice storm in 2021 led to the deaths of more than 200 people.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties. He said Thursday that the state’s power grid “has never been stronger, never been more prepared, and is fully capable of handling this winter storm.”
A map shows where ice and snow are forecast to fall during a winter storm starting on Jan. 23, 2026.
If an outage occurs, propane heaters or generators should not be used inside the home because of their dangerous fumes. Texas officials said some of the deaths in the 2021 ice storm were due to carbon monoxide poisoning as people sought warmth from cars and outdoor grills.
Ice accumulations can also cause slick roads and slippery surfaces, leading to collisions or falls. In Nashville and other cities, crews are pouring a chemical mixture called brine on streets to warm the asphalt so less ice forms.
Officials are recommending people stay off the roads as much as possible, and drivers should be particularly cautious on bridges and overpasses, which may freeze sooner than other surfaces.
A map shows forecast ice totals during a winter storm starting on Jan. 23, 2026.
CBS News
Ice can also weigh down tree branches, causing them to break and injure people or damage homes. The weight of ice on roofs can also cause damage.
Home inspector Lane Rockensock told CBS News he recommends clearing snow off the roof of a home to reduce weight, and making sure gutters are clear so melting ice drains away from the house.
He said that in parts of the country that do not typically see snowstorms, homes and buildings can be at higher risk.
“Especially in the South, we don’t build houses for 10 inches worth of snow,” Rockensock said. He recommended homeowners keep faucets dripping to prevent burst pipes, and keep outdoor pipes covered. People should also monitor for water damage in basements, he said.
With temperatures already plummeting in some parts of the U.S. as a fierce winter storm rolls in, federal safety regulators are warning consumers to stay safe as they fire up home heating devices in a bid to stay warm.
Gasoline-powered generators, furnaces and fireplaces can emit carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. Heating sources can also spark fires. Electric space heaters are involved in an average of 1,600 fires a year, while fireplaces and chimneys are involved in an average of 15,400 such incidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Here are some tips from the CPSC on how to use home heating equipment safely.
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials, such as drapes, furniture and bedding. Product safety regulators also advise people to plug the devices directly into wall outlets — not power strips — and to turn them off when you’re sleeping.
Gasoline-powered generators can emit carbon monoxide. As a result, the CPSC says portable generators should only be placed outdoors and at least 20 feet from the home.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and test them to make sure they are working properly. The safety watchdog says these alarms should be placed on every level of a home, with smoke alarms in each bedroom.
Hire a professional to check fuel-burning heating systems, such as furnaces, boilers, fireplaces and wood stoves. The CPSC sayscarbon monoxide poisoning can occur if heating systems are not installed correctly. Fireplaces can also be risky if chimneys are cracked or have other issues.
Roughly 200 million Americans are in the path of the incoming winter storm, which is expected to unleash a mix of snow, ice and frozen rain across a huge swath of the country starting Friday.
As of Friday morning, the latest forecast for North Texas shows total accumulations of 1 to 5 inches of sleet and snow between Saturday and Sunday. But Fort Worth appears to be along a dividing line where areas to the south will see mostly sleet, and areas to the north will have snow mixed in.
Tarrant, Parker and Dallas counties can expect 1 to 3 inches of the icy gumbo; Wise and Denton counties might get up to 5 inches.
With up to a half-inch of ice, too, the region is bracing for power outages as well as dangerous wind chills. Most flights at DFW are canceled Saturday, and there’s a real possibility that some kids may not have school Monday.
We’re posting live updates on the worst Texas winter storm in years. Check back for throughout the day. 📩 What questions do you have that we can answer? Email us:editors@star-telegram.com.
🔸Winter storm’s arrival: Late Friday afternoon or early evening for areas north of Tarrant County; the I-20 corridor of the Metroplex will transition to freezing rain with some sleet late tonight or just after midnight.
🔸How bad will it get: By Saturday afternoon, most of North Texas will get sleet atop layers of ice. Some areas will see snow into Sunday morning. Total ice accumulation: 1/4” to 1/2”, which will snap trees and likely start causing power outages into the afternoon. Total sleet/snow: 1-3” for Fort Worth; 3-5” to the north.
🔸How cold will it be: We’ll be below freezing from late tonight through Monday (possibly Tuesday). The low Saturday night in Fort Worth will be 13 degrees with a wind chill of -1. On Sunday night, it’ll drop to 6 degrees with wind chills as cold as -4 to -12. Keep your faucets dripping throughout the weekend into Tuesday to keep your pipes from freezing.
🔸What should I do before the storm: Time is running out, but you should be prepared with enough non-perishable food, water and medications for at least three days. Protect your yards and gardens. Cover/insulate your outdoor water spigots and pipes. And make sure to have these emergency supplies.
Outlook as of Friday morning. National Weather Service
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Posted 8:30 a.m.
Despite the storm, the Stock Show & Rodeo is continuing as planned this weekend. The FWSSR says it’s working to remove ice from streets and sidewalks and is “committed to public safety and ensuring the safety and well-being of livestock, guests and participants.”
“Due to the nature of our event and the coordination required across multiple pre-booked venues, including the Will Rogers Memorial Center and Dickies Arena, as well as the scheduled PRORODEO Tournament, we are unable to reschedule performances or competitions.” There are no refunds or exchanges for rodeo tickets. “Guests are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow additional travel time.” — Brayden Garcia
Schools are open today; Monday? We’ll see
Posted 7:30 a.m.
With the arrival of freezing rain not until late tonight, Fort Worth-area schools are operating under normal schedules today, though many have canceled or postponed after-school sports and events. The real question will be what happens Monday morning, when the entire region may be coated in ice, sleet and snow. It won’t get above freezing until Monday, and just barely at that. We’re keeping our closings/delays list updated. — Matt Leclercq
DFW flight cancellations are piling up
Posted 7:15 a.m.
Nearly two-thirds of scheduled flights Saturday out of Dallas-Fort Worth airport are already canceled, according to FlightAware. At Dallas Love Field, about half are canceled. Only a few Friday flights out of DFW are canceled, but about 10% of incoming flights aren’t happening today.
The massive winter storm across half the U.S. will cause major travel disruptions likely into next week. So far, Fort Worth-based American Airlines has canceled more than 500 flights Saturday across its network, and Dallas-based Southwest has canceled more than 230. Here’s what to do if your flight is canceled or you want to reschedule. — Ella Gonzales
Fort Worth trash pickup
Posted 7 a.m.
As of Friday, the city says there are no planned disruptions to residential garbage pickup. Garbage drop-off locations, however, are likely to be closed, as will city animal shelters, though nothing had been finalized as of Thursday afternoon. If you see an animal out in the cold, call the city at 817-392-1234. — Matt Adams
Here’s the latest Fort Worth weather forecast
Posted 5:45 a.m.
Today: Rain, up to a half inch. High of 51 degrees by 11 a.m.
Tonight: Rain, possibly mixed with sleet before midnight, then rain showers, freezing rain and sleet between midnight and 3 am, then freezing rain and sleet after 3 am. Low around 27. Wind chill values between 19 and 24. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. New sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Saturday: Sleet, possibly mixed with freezing rain. Temperature falling to around 23 by 5 pm. Wind chill between 11 and 18. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch possible. New sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Saturday Night: Sleet, possibly freezing rain before midnight, then sleet, possibly mixed with snow showers and freezing rain between midnight and 3 am, then snow showers and sleet after 3 am. The sleet could be heavy at times. Low around 13. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday: A chance of snow showers and sleet before noon. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 22. North northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 6. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 31. North northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon
Will the power go out this weekend in Texas?
Posted 5:15 a.m.
Fort Worth officials warned people to prepare for the worst. The Texas power grid is expected to be able to handle the increased load this weekend, but ice accumulations could snap power lines.
“Ice accumulation on lines and trees is going to be the most impactful to the grid, and based on the weather forecast we’ve seen, the Metroplex is where that’s going to really be centered,” said Thomas Gleeson, chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Kerri Dunn, an Oncor spokesperson, said the company has invested in removing vegetation from around above-ground power lines to reduce the odds of them breaking during an ice storm. Still, Dunn said ice is a concern, and living in an area with underground power lines doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t experience a service disruption. — Matt Adams
Interstate toll lanes will close today
Posted 5 a.m.
TEXPress toll lanes in North Texas will close starting Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. The decision was made in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation. “We will continue to monitor weather conditions as the winter storm moves through North Texas, and implement our winter maintenance operations towards safely re-opening the roadways.” — Eleanor Dearman
Grocery stores will stay open as long as they can
Posted 4:55 a.m.
H-E-B, Kroger, Walmart and other major grocers in North Texas say they’ll operate on normal schedules into the weekend, but that could change depending on local conditions. Nonetheless, many North Texans won’t have to run out to the store during the winter storm; grocers have been swamped with people this week who have cleared out the meat, eggs, bread and other storm staples. We’re monitoring Fort Worth grocery stores to watch for closures. — Ella Gonzales
How to prevent your pipes from bursting
When it’s below freezing for several days, and especially when it drops below 10 degrees, you’re at risk of your pipes freezing and bursting. You do NOT want that to happen.
Keep your indoor faucets dripping.
Insulate exposed pipes outside the house. Hardware stores sell special insulation to wrap pipes and cover your outdoor spigots.
Check if pipes in unheated parts of the home are insulated.
Make sure outside faucet washers are secure.
Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and use insulated faucet covers.
Make sure the water meter box doesn’t freeze by keeping the lid on.
Keep open cabinet doors that hold water pipes to allow heat in.
California’s already wet winter is breaking rainfall records, with another powerful storm moving in this weekend along with the threat of new flooding and mudslides.
After a remarkable dry streak in 2024 that helped fuel last January’s firestorms, this winter is making up for it, with some areas already approaching average rain totals for the entire season.
“It’s been an interesting season,” said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. “We’re way above normal for precipitation.”
The latest storm will usher in gusty wind, more precipitation and possible flooding in burn scar areas.
The cold front moving into the state from the northwest is expected to reach the Los Angeles area by Saturday and bring rain and high-elevation snow through Sunday. In Los Angeles, the rain is expected to be less punishing than the previous storm that triggered significant flooding, road closures and rescues, but it will be heavier along the Central Coast, Wofford said.
The one bright spot is fire conditions. With L.A. about to mark the first anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires, the wet winter offers some protections — at least in the short term.
“The amount of rain that we’ve gotten is likely going to ensure that we’re not going to have any large fires in the next couple of weeks, but beyond that we really can’t say,” said David Acuña, a battalion chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. “If we were to transition into a dry spell, it does not take very long for those green and brown grasses to dry out completely.”
A lot will depend on how much rain falls in the next several months, he added.
The Los Angeles area has already seen higher-than-normal precipitation this rainy season, which began Oct. 1, with storms soaking the region each month with particularly strong systems hitting over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The final rainy days of 2025 helped pull California almost completely out of drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. And that’s even before the wettest months of the year, traditionally January and February.
The storm system was the first since 2006 to rain on Pasadena’s Rose Parade and ended up being a real doozy — toppling a host of daily rainfall records, several of which were set during that previous storm.
In Oxnard, 1.09 inches of rain fell, breaking the previous New Year’s Day record of 0.83 of an inch set in 2006. In Sanberg, the record of 0.56 of an inch set in 2006 was broken by a whopping 1.25 inches. A record rainfall of 1.32 inches was set at Hollywood Burbank Airport on New Year’s Day, smashing the previous daily record of 0.35 of an inch, also set in 2006.
At Long Beach Airport, a record 1.11 inches of rain fell, breaking the four-decade old record of 0.60 set in 1982. In Lancaster, 0.87 of an inch of rain fell on Thursday, breaking the previous record of 0.24 of an inch set in 2006.
Thursday’s rainfall triggered flooding along the 5 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley, prompting officials to close lanes for several hours. In San Diego, a man and his young daughter were caught in their blue Jeep by fast-moving water and had to be rescued.
In Orange County, the body of a woman was pulled from the Santa Ana River in Fountain Valley on Thursday afternoon. The woman had traveled about two miles in the rushing water before the Orange County Fire Authority’s swift water rescue team arrived. It’s not clear how she ended up in the water.
In Sherman Oaks, hours of heavy rain on Thursday sent mud and debris flowing down a hillside at a residential construction site. No injuries were reported.
The weekend storm is expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain to coast and valley areas and 3 to 6 inches to the foothills and mountains. Rainfall rates are projected to range from 0.25 to 0.5 inch per hour, but local rates of up to an inch per hour are likely, especially in foothill and mountain areas in Ventura County and farther north, which could cause flooding and mudslides, the weather service said.
Snow levels will remain above 6,500 feet, although a rain-snow mix could drop down to 6,000 feet, especially Sunday night. Forecasters are predicting 2 to 6 inches of snow above 7,500 feet, with 9 to 12 inches possible on the highest mountain peaks.
After heavy intermittent rain, crews work to clear a mud and debris flow that went into the backyard and down the side of a home in the 3900 block of Pacheco Drive in Sherman Oaks on Thursday. Two people were forced to evacuate. Southern California is heading into the new year with another round of rain and renewed flood risk.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The weather service has issued wind advisories for higher-elevation areas of the Ventura and Santa Barbara county mountains, interior San Luis Obispo County and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Those advisories are in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening and will probably be expanded into the Central Coast, forecasters said.
The winds could be sufficiently strong enough to topple trees, given that soils are already saturated from previous storms, especially in the Santa Lucia range where gusts are expected to be the strongest.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officials have warned the public to stay out of the water at beaches because of a rise in bacteria levels due to the rain. The advisory, which will be in effect until at least 4 p.m. Monday, could be extended if the rain continues.
Forecasters say another, colder storm system is expected to hit the region between Monday and Tuesday. That storm could bring isolated thunderstorms with brief heavy downpours and hail, as well as snow levels down to 5,000 feet, according to the weather service.
The weekend storm is expected to hit Northern California particularly hard with heavy rain bringing the risk of urban and roadway flooding and rising rivers and streams.
On Friday in Corte Madera, an unincorporated town in Marin County, king tides were already resulting in significant flooding. Video posted on social media showed a resident surveying the damage by kayak.
The start of the water year — from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 — ranks in the top nine wettest for all official climate locations tracked by the weather service. It’s been the wettest ever start to the water year for several places including Oxnard and Santa Barbara.
So far this season, downtown Los Angeles has received 11.64 inches of rain— roughly 82% of its normal rainfall for the entire water year, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
Sanberg, in the mountains of northwest Los Angeles County, has had its wettest start ever to the water year dating back to 1934, having received just over 16 inches of rain through Wednesday. Typically, Sanberg sees 13.14 inches over the course of the entire water year, according to weather service data.
“We’re certainly well ahead of the game,” Wofford said. “It does look like after we get through this last storm cycle we’re looking at several days of dry weather after that, perhaps as many as two weeks. So we could be in for a long dry spell.”
Southern California should be prepared for rain and blustery conditions this week.
Residents can also expect to have a rainy New Year’s Eve and Day, with rainfall rates from a quarter to half an inch an hour predicted on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
“The chances of a wet New Years Parade, and including the night before when people camp out before the parade, are extremely high, 80-90% at this point,” the weather service said in a Monday evening statement. “The last wet New Year’s parade was in 2006.”
Timeline
Tuesday: Windy conditions; chance of rain at night.
Wednesday: Rain chances intensify during day and into the night.
Thursday: Height of storm is Wednesday night through Thursday night.
Friday: 10-12% chance of rain.
Saturday: More rain possible.
Basics
This storm will not be intense as the one last week, which set records.
1-3 inches is expected in basin; 3-5 inches in the foothills and mountains.
Wind gusts could top 30-50 mph.
Useful heads up
When the ground’s already saturated, even moderate rain can change the risk quickly
A storm that moved into Northern California overnight is resulting in power outages, flooded roads and downed tree limbs.The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for both Wednesday and Thursday, which indicates that conditions could be a risk to public safety.Snowy conditions can also lead to chain controls. When they are in effect, all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped are required to install chains. Also, the speed limit for Interstate 80 is reduced to 30 mph, while the limit is 25 mph on Highway 50.Find the full forecast here.Track power outages here.We are tracking live weather updates as we receive them. Live updates 6:30 p.m.: Traffic is being held on I-80 in both directions at Doner Summit do to multiple spinouts, Caltrans said. 5:15 p.m.: A tree fell on a home in Carmichael on Wednesday. The people who lived there were out of town and no one was hurt.5 p.m.: A flash flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for a portion of the Sacramento area. People are being asked to be cautious of flooded roads, creeks and streams as well as poor drainage areas. The warning is expected to last until 7:30 p.m.4:50 p.m.: About 344 SMUD customers are without power, according to the utility’s outage map.See the map here. 4 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for the Sacramento area. Until about 4:45 p.m., pea-sized hail and winds of about 30 miles per hour are expected. 3:15 p.m.: Evacuation warnings are in effect for the Cosgrove Creek area near Valley Springs and La Contenta due to rising water levels , according to the Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services. Under an evacuation warning residents are advised of a potential threat to life and property. There is a possibility for an evacuation order.To see the evacuation warning zone on a map, click here. 12:30 p.m.: Traffic on westbound I-80 is being turned around at Truckee and Donner Lake Interchange due to multiple spinouts.12 p.m.: As of this writing, there are at least 96,000 utility customers across California without power, according to a state dashboard.In San Joaquin County, PG&E said about 2,600 customers in the Stockton area lost their power.11 a.m.: The Imaginarium at Cal Expo is closed Wednesday because of wind-related concerns.10:57 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol Yuba-Sutter division shared video of a water rescue that happened midnight Wednesday near Highway 113.10:27 a.m.: The Amador Fire Department said it is at Westover Field on Airport Road in Sutter Creek, filling sandbags for anyone who needs them.10 a.m.: As of this writing, there are roughly 123,000 utility customers across California without power.9:55 a.m.: These are chain controls as of this writing.Interstate 80Eastbound traffic: Chains are required from Kingvale to Truckee.Westbound traffic: Chains are required from the Donner Lake Interchange to 4.7 miles west of Kingvale. Traffic is being turned around at Truckee and Donner Lake Interchange due to multiple spinouts.Highway 50Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.9:51 a.m.: The Grass Valley Fire Department shared pictures of its firefighters handling storm-related issues in the city.9:45 a.m.: Pacific Gas & Electric Co. talked about its efforts in addressing storm-related damages.9:15 a.m.: The Sacramento Municipal Utility District spoke about what it’s doing to address storm-related damages.9 a.m.: See our updated forecast in the video player below.7:55 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol said at least one person died in what appears to be a weather-related crash.CHP said a vehicle crashed into a telephone pole at Franklin Boulevard and Point Pleasant Road. That was reported shortly before 6 a.m.7:40 a.m.: See weather highlights from our 7 a.m. newscast in the video player below.7:10 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol East Sacramento division said its officers are responding to multiple reports of vehicle spinouts amid stormy conditions.7 a.m.: A statewide dashboard indicates that at least 138,000 utility customers across California are without power.6:55 a.m.: These are chain controls for mountain travel as of this writing. When chain controls are in effect, chains are required on all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped.Also, the speed limit is reduced with chain controls. On Interstate 80, the speed limit is 30 mph, while Highway 50’s speed limit is 25 mph.Interstate 80Chains required from Kingvale in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.Highway 50Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.6:20 a.m.: Traffic expert Brian Hickey observed flooding along Interstate 80 at Norwood Avenue. Motorists were seen driving through the flooding.6 a.m.: See weather highlights from our 6 a.m. newscast in the video player below.4 a.m.: KCRA 3 spotted a tree that fell on a home along Cedarhurst Way in the Carmichael area of Sacramento County.REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAPClick here to see our interactive traffic map.TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADARClick here to see our interactive radar.DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATESTHere is where you can download our app.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. 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SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A storm that moved into Northern California overnight is resulting in power outages, flooded roads and downed tree limbs.
The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for both Wednesday and Thursday, which indicates that conditions could be a risk to public safety.
Snowy conditions can also lead to chain controls. When they are in effect, all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped are required to install chains. Also, the speed limit for Interstate 80 is reduced to 30 mph, while the limit is 25 mph on Highway 50.
We are tracking live weather updates as we receive them.
Live updates
6:30 p.m.: Traffic is being held on I-80 in both directions at Doner Summit do to multiple spinouts, Caltrans said.
5:15 p.m.: A tree fell on a home in Carmichael on Wednesday. The people who lived there were out of town and no one was hurt.
5 p.m.: A flash flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for a portion of the Sacramento area. People are being asked to be cautious of flooded roads, creeks and streams as well as poor drainage areas. The warning is expected to last until 7:30 p.m.
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A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for portions of Sacramento, West Sacramento, Natomas, Rio Linda, Elverta and Raley Field as doppler radar has indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain. Turn around, don’t drown! #CAwxpic.twitter.com/Xhdn6yEcFt
4 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for the Sacramento area. Until about 4:45 p.m., pea-sized hail and winds of about 30 miles per hour are expected.
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3:15 p.m.: Evacuation warnings are in effect for the Cosgrove Creek area near Valley Springs and La Contenta due to rising water levels , according to the Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services. Under an evacuation warning residents are advised of a potential threat to life and property. There is a possibility for an evacuation order.
To see the evacuation warning zone on a map, click here.
12:30 p.m.: Traffic on westbound I-80 is being turned around at Truckee and Donner Lake Interchange due to multiple spinouts.
12 p.m.: As of this writing, there are at least 96,000 utility customers across California without power, according to a state dashboard.
In San Joaquin County, PG&E said about 2,600 customers in the Stockton area lost their power.
11 a.m.: The Imaginarium at Cal Expo is closed Wednesday because of wind-related concerns.
10:57 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol Yuba-Sutter division shared video of a water rescue that happened midnight Wednesday near Highway 113.
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10:27 a.m.: The Amador Fire Department said it is at Westover Field on Airport Road in Sutter Creek, filling sandbags for anyone who needs them.
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10 a.m.: As of this writing, there are roughly 123,000 utility customers across California without power.
9:55 a.m.: These are chain controls as of this writing.
Interstate 80
Eastbound traffic: Chains are required from Kingvale to Truckee.
Westbound traffic: Chains are required from the Donner Lake Interchange to 4.7 miles west of Kingvale. Traffic is being turned around at Truckee and Donner Lake Interchange due to multiple spinouts.
Highway 50
Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.
9:51 a.m.: The Grass Valley Fire Department shared pictures of its firefighters handling storm-related issues in the city.
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9:45 a.m.: Pacific Gas & Electric Co. talked about its efforts in addressing storm-related damages.
9:15 a.m.: The Sacramento Municipal Utility District spoke about what it’s doing to address storm-related damages.
9 a.m.: See our updated forecast in the video player below.
7:55 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol said at least one person died in what appears to be a weather-related crash.
CHP said a vehicle crashed into a telephone pole at Franklin Boulevard and Point Pleasant Road. That was reported shortly before 6 a.m.
7:40 a.m.: See weather highlights from our 7 a.m. newscast in the video player below.
7:10 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol East Sacramento division said its officers are responding to multiple reports of vehicle spinouts amid stormy conditions.
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The winter storm among us has brought flooding on US-50 and on surface streets. Your East Sacramento CHP units are responding to multiple reports of spinouts! We urgently remind you to drive with extra caution. Keep your eyes focused on the road ahead and move over for officers!
7 a.m.: A statewide dashboard indicates that at least 138,000 utility customers across California are without power.
6:55 a.m.: These are chain controls for mountain travel as of this writing. When chain controls are in effect, chains are required on all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped.
Also, the speed limit is reduced with chain controls. On Interstate 80, the speed limit is 30 mph, while Highway 50’s speed limit is 25 mph.
Interstate 80
Chains required from Kingvale in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.
Highway 50
Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.
6:20 a.m.: Traffic expert Brian Hickey observed flooding along Interstate 80 at Norwood Avenue. Motorists were seen driving through the flooding.
6 a.m.: See weather highlights from our 6 a.m. newscast in the video player below.
4 a.m.: KCRA 3 spotted a tree that fell on a home along Cedarhurst Way in the Carmichael area of Sacramento County.
Additional severe weather was on tap for the Bay Area and Central Coast on Wednesday, with another atmospheric river-fed storm bringing heavy rain and damaging winds into Christmas Day.
The latest in a powerful series of winter storms battered the region overnight Wednesday, leaving behind widespread damage, flooding, and tens of thousands of Pacific Gas and Electric customers without power. The National Weather Service said in its daily forecast discussion Wednesday that the system is expected to bring another round of strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms through Thursday morning. Christmas Day and Friday are likely to remain unsettled, with continued threats of severe wind gusts and brief tornadoes, particularly along the Central Coast.
The main cold front moved through the East Bay, South Bay and Monterey Bay areas early Wednesday, prompting multiple reports of roadway flooding. Wind gusts overnight reached extreme levels in higher terrain, including 95 mph in Marin County, 93 mph in northeastern San Benito County and nearly 90 mph in Sonoma County.
A flood watch was in effect through Friday evening across the region, with flash flooding of streets, creeks and low-lying areas from high rainfall rates posing the greatest threat after earlier forecasts focused on river flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said hazardous winds were easing briefly during the day and expected to strengthen again overnight into Christmas Day. The incoming storm triggered another high wind warning for portions of the Bay Area and Central Coast, including San Francisco, the Peninsula coast, Coastal North Bay (including Point Reyes), the Northern Salinas Valley/Hollister Valley, Carmel Valley, Monterey Bay, the Big Sur coast and adjacent uplands.
🚨Quick reminder: most of our area is in a Marginal Risk for SVR TSTORMS through Christmas morning. The primary concern is strong wind gusts of 70 MPH or higher, and a low (2%) chance of waterspouts developing offshore then transitioning into tornadoes as they move onshore #CAwxpic.twitter.com/PpkwqeQ76I
A previous wind warning expired at 8 a.m. Wednesday, while the second warning was scheduled from 8 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday. Stronger winds of 25-35 mph and gusts up to 65 mph are expected, especially near higher terrain, coastal headlands and exposed ridges.
In addition to the warning, the Weather Service issued a wind advisory during the same time frame covering inland and lower-elevation communities across the Bay Area and Central Coast not included in the high wind warning footprint.
As soils become saturated, the combination of wind and rain could lead to additional downed trees and power outages across the region. Officials emphasized the importance of having multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially in rural areas.
There were also slight chances for severe thunderstorms through Christmas Day, as well as possible tornadoes, with thunderstorm risks continuing through Friday. The service’s Storm Prediction Center placed much of the region, including the Salinas Valley, Sonoma County valleys and areas west of the Diablo Range, under a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms.
Dangerous marine and beach conditions were also expected to continue through Friday, posing risks to mariners and beachgoers along the Pacific coast. High temperatures will remain cool, mostly in the 50s to low 60s at lower elevations.
By the weekend, lingering showers are expected to taper off as colder air moves in behind the storms. Overnight temperatures could drop into the mid- to upper 30s in inland valleys early next week, with additional storm systems possible as January approaches.
Residents of El Dorado Hills are preparing for strong winds expected to last through Christmas Day, with concerns about potential power outages in the area. Josh McGee expressed confidence in his Christmas-themed skeleton decoration, saying, “I got faith in Skully. He’s made it through a couple of winters with us already, so I have faith in him. The hat might be gone, but we’ll get it back.”McGee’s giant skeleton sits in the front yard of his El Dorado Hills home wearing a Santa hat and scarf.His neighbor Tom Molyneux-Elliot said that he is reconsidering his decision to put out the trash early, saying, “I might be picking up garbage in the morning.”Despite the subtle jokes from these two, the anticipated strong gusts have put residents on high alert for possible power outages. “I have generators and everything, but, you know, PG&E is notoriously unreliable during this kind of situation,” McGee said. “They don’t have the best track record of keeping power on.”Molyneux-Elliot added, “We used to lose power a lot, but the last couple of years, it’s been better. Hopefully, that won’t happen again this year. But I know up the hill it definitely gets a little worse.”PG&E has assured residents that they are fully staffed and have crews ready to respond to any outages caused by the high winds. Jeff Weeks from Ace Hardware at Town Center reported a steady flow of customers preparing for the storm. “We didn’t anticipate quite the run on things we have here,” he said. The lighting section shelves were bare on Tuesday night, and Weeks mentioned that the store plans to stay open on Christmas Eve for those who might need supplies during the storm.”Come in early, get the things that you think you’re going to need,” he advised. He emphasized the importance of being prepared with “generators, candles, lights, flashlights, huge things, batteries, we have all those kinds of things.”See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. —
Residents of El Dorado Hills are preparing for strong winds expected to last through Christmas Day, with concerns about potential power outages in the area.
Josh McGee expressed confidence in his Christmas-themed skeleton decoration, saying, “I got faith in Skully. He’s made it through a couple of winters with us already, so I have faith in him. The hat might be gone, but we’ll get it back.”
McGee’s giant skeleton sits in the front yard of his El Dorado Hills home wearing a Santa hat and scarf.
His neighbor Tom Molyneux-Elliot said that he is reconsidering his decision to put out the trash early, saying, “I might be picking up garbage in the morning.”
Despite the subtle jokes from these two, the anticipated strong gusts have put residents on high alert for possible power outages.
“I have generators and everything, but, you know, PG&E is notoriously unreliable during this kind of situation,” McGee said. “They don’t have the best track record of keeping power on.”
Molyneux-Elliot added, “We used to lose power a lot, but the last couple of years, it’s been better. Hopefully, that won’t happen again this year. But I know up the hill it definitely gets a little worse.”
PG&E has assured residents that they are fully staffed and have crews ready to respond to any outages caused by the high winds.
Jeff Weeks from Ace Hardware at Town Center reported a steady flow of customers preparing for the storm.
“We didn’t anticipate quite the run on things we have here,” he said.
The lighting section shelves were bare on Tuesday night, and Weeks mentioned that the store plans to stay open on Christmas Eve for those who might need supplies during the storm.
“Come in early, get the things that you think you’re going to need,” he advised.
He emphasized the importance of being prepared with “generators, candles, lights, flashlights, huge things, batteries, we have all those kinds of things.”
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland General Electric is urging customers across its service area to prepare for possible power outages as a significant windstorm is expected to move into the region on Wednesday, Christmas Eve.
Meteorologists are tracking a stronger storm system than last week’s weather event, with forecasts calling for sustained winds of 20 to 45 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 65 miles per hour. The storm is expected to affect PGE’s entire service territory and is part of a larger weather system impacting the West Coast from California to Washington.
According to PGE, the windstorm is forecast to arrive Wednesday morning and last through mid-afternoon, potentially creating hazardous conditions and increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines.
With holiday travel and celebrations already underway, the utility said it is taking proactive steps to prepare for possible outages. Crews have been staffed and materials staged at line operation centers to help restore power as quickly as possible if outages occur. PGE meteorologists are also continuing to monitor the developing system.
The utility is encouraging customers to prepare now by assembling an outage kit that includes flashlights or headlamps, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a car charger for electronic devices, a 72-hour supply of food and water, necessary medications, extra blankets, and bottled water for both people and pets.
PGE also emphasized safety, particularly around downed power lines. Customers are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from any downed lines and to always assume they are energized, even if there are no visible sparks. Anyone who encounters a downed power line should call 911 and then report it to PGE.
Generator safety is another concern during outages. PGE warns that portable generators should only be operated outdoors, away from doors, windows, and garages, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The utility also cautions against overloading generators, using improper extension cords, or attempting to “back feed” power into a home’s electrical system.
Customers experiencing outages can get updates or report issues through multiple channels, including PGE’s outage map online, the PGE mobile app, text alerts, or by calling the company’s automated outage reporting system.
More safety information and winter preparedness tips are available on PGE’s website.
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