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Atmospheric river, cold front to collide bringing intense rain and wind
A major storm is headed for the Bay Area bringing the threat severe thunderstorm activity.
OAKLAND, Calif. - Santa is going to have a heck of a time delivering his toys this Christmas.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a wet and windy one this holiday.
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Snow in the Sierra for Christmas
Kevin Cooper says the snow in the Sierra is here
Tuesday
What we know:
- Spotty showers around the Bay Area throughout the day
- A flood watch is in effect for the Bay Area through Friday night. Meteorologists anticipate moderate to heavy rain, which could cause rapid rises in creeks and streams.
- The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning from 4 p.m. Tuesday until 4 a.m. Wednesday for the East Bay and San Francisco Bay Shoreline, the Santa Clara Valley and Eastern Hills, and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
- Southeast winds between 20 and 30 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.
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Bomb cyclone developing offshore
The Bay Area saw heavy rain over the weekend, with showers lingering into early this week. However, a bomb cyclone developing in the Pacific now brings the threat of intense winds to the region.
Wednesday — Christmas Eve
What we know:
- Snow develops late Tuesday in Sierra Tahoe and becomes widespread early Wednesday morning.
- South wind gusts of 45 mph or higher expected near the San Francisco International Airport from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Snow levels start high (around 7,000–7,500 feet) early in the day, meaning rain or a rain/snow mix near lake level at first.
- By afternoon and evening, colder air moves in, allowing snow levels to drop to near lake level (6,200 ft).
- Winds increase, especially along ridgelines, with gusts 40–60 mph, creating areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility.
- Travel conditions deteriorate rapidly late afternoon through the evening.
Thursday — Christmas Day
What we know:
- Periods of heavy snow in Sierra Tahoe continue through Christmas Day.
- Snow levels remain near or below lake level, keeping snow ongoing across the basin.
- Strong winds persist, especially at higher elevations, with near-blizzard conditions possible at times.
- Very difficult to impossible travel over mountain passes.
Tahoe storm
What we know:
- Winter Storm Warning: Begins 10 p.m. Tuesday
- Worst Travel: Wednesday afternoon through Christmas Day
For more on snow conditions, click here.