Western Third of Country in Store for Wild Stretch of Weather

A series of storms racing through the western third of the country will deliver heavy snow in the mountains and cold rain across the lower elevations. A mix of rain and snow will fall at the intermediate elevations, while Santa Ana winds will be the biggest culprit in Southern California. Here is a look at what you can expect in the days ahead with this volatile weather pattern.

Train of Storms Will Bring Heavy Snow and Cold Rain to the West

A number of cold-infused storms will impact the West this week, raising the threat of dangerous travel conditions over some of the busiest mountain passes in the region. Several airports could also be under the gun for delays as the storms move farther inland from the Pacific coast.

The line of storms is forecast to affect Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado with its influx of precipitation. Snow will pile up across the higher terrains as the lower elevations near the coastline deal with a cold and persistent rain event.

The forecast is calling for snowfall accumulations of 6 to 10 feet in the top terrains of the Cascades through Thursday night. This amount of snow over a relatively short period of time will inherently present a threat of avalanches.