Winter Weather

A winter storm warning was in effect Thursday until 10 p.m. for the Tahoe area, where as much as 18 inches (45 cm) was possible above elevations of 7,000 feet and up to 2 feet on ridge tops.

An incoming storm will bring heavy rainfall to the Bay Area and Pacific Gas and Electric is warning customers of potential outages. 

The California Department of Water Resources made its first snow survey of the new year and officials are pleased with the results. 

Officials at Northstar California Resort near Truckee, California, announced in October they would begin charging fees for the first time this season at a major parking lot near the premium parking area where fees already were in place.

Two months ago, the U.S. Drought Monitor categorized more 81% of the state as abnormally dry because of above-normal temperatures and a lack of precipitation six weeks into the water year that started Oct. 1. The percentage climbed to 85% as recently as last week.

A snowboarder was rescued by friends after he was buried face down by an avalanche in the Sierra on Monday.

Weather-related problems caused the transit operator to shut down the underground line from West Portal to Embarcadero, forcing passengers to find an alternative means to get downtown.

Heavy rain caused severe flooding in several areas of San Francisco Saturday, downing trees and turning streets into what looked to be lakes.

Firefighters responded to the 5900 block of Alhambra Way at about 3 p.m. to find the tree having smashed through a pool/tub room of the house. Rain was especially heavy at the time, said Battalion Chief James Bowron.

With one big atmospheric river behind them and a very wet cold front about to hit, people in the Kincade Fire burn areas are pretty well set for what's coming, especially overnight Friday into Saturday.

Now is the time for residents and property owners near hills to start checking you property above and below.

Light snow fell in the Reno area Wednesday and a winter weather advisory was in effect until 6 p.m. for the central Sierra south of Lake Tahoe where up to 6 inches of snow was possible west of U.S. Highway 395 along the California-Nevada line.

"Our state-of-the-art systems enable Heavenly and Northstar to remotely turn on snowmaking from their cell phones or computers instantly when cold weather moves into the mountains."