Winter storm on the move: Heavy snow, strong wind shifts east

It’s another busy day for California as heavy snow continues to fall along the Sierra Nevada, Transverse/Peninsular Ranges, and across parts of the Southwest, too. Heavy rain has also fallen overnight across Southern California. Most of the heavy stuff will end this morning and slowly taper off during the afternoon as the low-pressure system moves east.

The low-pressure system will slowly move east taking big moisture from the Pacific Ocean onto the Great Basin and the Four Corners. where heavy snow will likely persist over the mountainous terrain in the area. Another 1 to 2 feet of snow will be possible over the mountains of Southern California and Arizona by Thursday morning.

As we discussed on Tuesday’s forecast the snow levels will be dropping this afternoon across Southern California. Snow levels between 4,000 and 4,500 feet will lower to 2,000 and 2,500 feet. There will be very strong winds which will make travel dangerous or impossible. Avoid traveling through the mountains. The heaviest snow is expected along the San Bernardino County Mountains, with some areas receiving over 2 feet of snow.

For the coast and southern California valleys, the rain will also come to an end, gradually, by this afternoon, but the wind will persist. For Downtown L.A., gusts could reach 30 mph. By tonight, skies will clear, allowing the temperatures to rapidly drop. Lows in the mid to upper 30s will chill the Los Angeles area.

For San Diego, the rain will taper off in the evening. Temperatures will also drop quickly to the upper 30s with northwest between 15 to 25 mph making it feel colder.

Our WeatherRadar shows heavy snow starting Wednesday afternoon in Arizona, especially over Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, North Rim, Sedona, Valle, and Williams, and going through the late evening. Overnight, the heavy snow will become lighter through Thursday morning. The strong southwesterly winds will likely blow and drift snow.

Similar conditions are expected in southwest Utah as the winds will be gusting as high as 50 mph and periods of heavy snow are expected through the morning on Thursday. Many roads like SR-9 from Virgin through Zion National Park, US- 89 from Long Valley Junction to Kanab, the scenic drive in Bryce Canyon National Park as well as SR-12 from the junction with US- 89 to Torrey could be dangerous for travelers.