LOS ANGELES — Another potentially impactful Pacific storm is taking shape for California and the Southwest late this week into Halloween weekend. Confidence is growing that a developing low-pressure system will bring cooler temperatures, more moisture, and unsettled weather. Southern California has a high chance of widespread rain sometime from Friday through Monday, with Saturday and Sunday currently favored. The storm could also bring heavy mountain snow to the Sierra Nevada.
Southern California Could See 0.5 to 3 Inches
A moderate storm could produce 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain across many parts of Southern California. That includes areas near Los Angeles, San Diego, Indio, and the Inland Empire. Rain bands are expected to stream northeast from the low off the coast.
South-facing mountains and foothills could pick up even more, with 1.5 to 3 inches possible. Locally higher amounts are possible if the storm turns stronger than expected. Thunderstorms could add brief bursts of very heavy rain.
Sierra Nevada Mountain Snow Likely
Farther north, more rain and Sierra Nevada snow are becoming increasingly likely from late Friday into the weekend. Accumulating snow is possible above about 6,000 feet. Areas near Lake Tahoe and mountain passes east of Sacramento and Carson City could see slick travel.
Valley areas like Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area are expected to see rain. Gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms are also possible across Northern California. Drivers heading over the Sierra should be ready for winter conditions.
Storm Spreads Into Nevada, Arizona, and Utah
As the system moves northeast, rain and storms will spread into Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Areas near Las Vegas, St. George, Flagstaff, and Phoenix could see showers and thunderstorms this weekend. Heavy rain is also possible across southern Arizona near Tucson and Nogales…