Rain Makes Big Return To Valley, Snow In Sierra
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(CBS/AP) - Twenty-four hour rain totals are now topping .5 inches in parts of the valley, and over 1.5 inches in the foothills and Sierra.
The first California winter storm of the season is expected to continue through Monday evening.
The snow level continues to lower, and will reach 5,000 feet in elevation later this morning, with 4 to 7-inch snow accumulations expected at pass level along Interstate 80 and Highway 50 through the mountains. Up to 12 inches of snow could fall along the highest mountain peaks.
Our Sierra ski resorts and elevation over 8,000 feet will likely see 1 to 2 inches of snow from this storm system.
Heavier bands of rain are just now moving in from the bay area as we hit the later morning commute, so expect rainfall totals to go up significantly by lunch time.
Showers will be tapering off this afternoon, with the possibility of some isolated thunderstorms forming in the valley and foothills. Clear skies are predicted by Tuesday.
Snow will continue in the mountains through Tuesday, possibly even Wednesday. A winter storm warning remains in effect in the mountains until 10 p.m.
Some cities in the San Francisco Bay Area have already seen nearly an inch of rain. Power outages and traffic accidents were widespread across the region.
