Thunderstorms coupled with lightning and hail moved in Southern California last Wednesday as winter-like weather continued through late May in many parts of the state.
The low temperatures in California come as parts of the West were being flooded by late spring storm systems. In Colorado and Wyoming, a storm brought down heavy and wet snow onto the states, cancelling several flights.
Normally, recreational areas in the mountains of San Bernardino and Riverside counties are already gearing up for summer activities at this time, but the areas were put under a winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service warned that up to 4 inches of snow at elevations from 5,500 to 7,500 feet can be expected. This can go as high as 8 inches at higher elevations. As of writing, Caltrans has urged motorists to bring chains and warm clothes if they’re headed for the mountains.
Aside from snow, more than an inch of rain also fell during a 12-hour span in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel Air, the weather service also said.
In the north, winter weather advisories were finally lifted in the Sierra Nevada region after a heavy snowpack.
The Squaw Valley resort at Lake Tahoe also reported last Wednesday receiving 32 inches of snow over a week, increasing its season total to 714 inches.
Southeast of Yosemite National Park, snow showers also fell on Mammoth Mountain. While winds initially limited operations, skiers were eventually allowed after the snowfall subsided. With so much snow, the resort has already announced plans to stay open for skiers and boarders through the fourth of July.
The coast was also reported to be in winter-like conditions, with high surf and small craft advisories in effect along the shoreline and gale warning for waters farther out.