Daily briefing: Heavy rain threatens West Coast

A strong storm system will impact the West today, while lake-effect snow continues for the eastern Great Lakes. This, along with our tropical update, is available at 5 a.m. ET in our daily briefing.

The WeatherRadar shows a powerful system moving across the West today. A departing low in the Northeast will send rain and snow across the region as it drifts into Atlantic Canada. The Northeast will see rain in lower elevations and a mix of rain and snow at higher elevations.

A strong Pacific storm moves onshore along the West Coast, bringing widespread precipitation. Rain first arrives in the Northwest and northern California, spreading into the northern Rockies, Great Basin and southern California by evening. The heaviest rain is expected across the Bay Area and Central Valley, where 1 to 3 inches could fall, posing a risk of localized flooding. The Sierra Nevada will see heavy snow, with over a foot possible on the highest peaks.

The WindRadar shows gusts of 50 mph or higher from southern Oregon to central California. These winds may topple trees and lead to power outages. It's important to secure items that may blow away. Meanwhile, high pressure will settle over the nation’s midsection, keeping the Plains, Midwest, South, and much of the East mostly dry.

Temperatures will vary widely across the country. The western two-thirds of the U.S. will enjoy mild weather, except for cooler conditions in northern California. The Northeast stays chilly today, with highs in the 30s and 40s. Southern California, the central Plains, and the Southeast will see highs into the 60s and 70s, while the Desert Southwest and southern Plains will see highs in the 80s.

Tropical activity is not expected over the next several days. We continue to monitor the tropics as the Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts until November 30.

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