Northeast Dealing With Lake Effect Snow, As West Coast Braces For More Rain

California is bracing for more rain as a series of storms continue to impact the state. The first wave of heavy rain hit Southern California from Wednesday night to Thursday morning (December 31), with San Diego experiencing significant flooding from 2.46 inches of rain. As the storm system moves eastward, Northern and Central California will face increased rainfall intensity over the weekend and into early next week. An atmospheric river may develop, potentially causing flash flooding and mudslides, especially in urban and low-lying areas.

In Southern California, over 17 million people remain under a flood watch. The National Weather Service warns of excessive runoff, which may lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams. The Sierra Nevada could see significant snowfall, potentially leading to travel disruptions, particularly over Donner Pass.

Meanwhile, the eastern United States is dealing with cold temperatures and lake-effect snow. Areas like Rochester and Buffalo received six inches of snow, while Pittsburgh saw four inches. The snow is part of a pattern of clipper storms and frigid air from Canada that will continue to affect the Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast. Lake-effect snow will persist through Saturday morning, with Oswego and Watertown in upstate New York expecting 12 to 24 inches of snow.

As the weather system progresses, warmer temperatures are expected to return to the Southeast by Monday (January 4), bringing some relief from the current cold snap.