California Braces for Active Weather Pattern Through Christmas Week

The state of California has avoided the bulk of the atmospheric river action that has impacted the West Coast over the last few weeks. However, forecasters are now warning Californians that their luck is about to change as the parade of storms that has been tracking over Washington and Oregon shifts to the south in the days ahead. Here is a look at what the Golden State should expect heading into the holiday week.

California Next Up for Powerful Atmospheric Rivers

The train of storms roaring in from the Pacific is moving to the south, bringing much of California into the impact zone. Heavy rain, mountain snow, and brisk conditions will distinguish the weather pattern through Christmas. The influx of precipitation will also raise the threat of flooding and mudslides.

The action fired up over the weekend for California when the Pineapple Express that has been affecting western Washington and Oregon dove to the south. This storm is expected to reach Northern California by late Saturday, persisting through Monday. The atmospheric river extends from near the Hawaiian Islands to the West Coast.