The potential for heavy snow at higher elevations in the western U.S. will continue for many spots through the weekend. In the meantime, the eastern half of the continental U.S. will transition to above normal temperatures ahead of a pair of cold fronts next week that will bring readings back to closer to normal as we approach Thanksgiving Day. Read More >
Overview - Record low pressure storm kicks Wet Season into high gear
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After a prolonged period of dry weather for much of the region, the first storm system of the 2019-2020 wet season came in with authority. A bomb cyclone developed off the Pacific Northwest Coast ultimately moving eastward bringing wild weather to much of southern Oregon and California November 26 through November 28. For historical context it be noted that prior to the stormy weather Fire Weather conditions were of concern with dry and gusty offshore flow winds in California. A few fires broke out with the most notable one being the Cave Fire near Santa Barbara.
Composed by: MMehle |
The OR/CA storm peaked pressure-wise with a central pressure of 970 hPa/28.64" at 7 pm PST before slowly weakening. |
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Rapid cyclogenesis, development/strengthening of a low pressure, occurred off the California/Oregon coast. In fact, the development was so strong that it was called a Bomb Cyclone or Bombogensis. In other words, the pressure drop was high enough in less than 24 hours to meet criteria. Automated sensors over the ocean and on land recorded the pressure drop nicely.
Numerical weather prediction models suggested a potent cold front as the storm system came inland. One of the biggest impacts were intense rainfall rates that could trigger a debris flow in the Kincade Burn Area. Therefore, a Flash Flood Watch was issued before the predicted frontal passage. Fortunately, the cold front didn't intensify until it was through the burn area and no debris flows occurred. The intense cold front did develop and brought urban flooding
Snow covering the higher peaks in the Bay Area is not all that uncommon during the month of November and this storm system did result in high elevation snow. Snow levels wavered through midday November 26, but once the moisture arrived snow levels were low enough for snow. Snow capped mountains along the Big Sur Coast is always magical with the juxtaposition between the blue Pacific and snowy mountain peaks. Snow was observed all the way down to approximately 2,000 feet.
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