Statement as of 16:45 MST 22. November 2008
... Colder and wetter weather expected for the middle of next
week and the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend...
A significant change in the weather will occur beginning Tuesday
and continuing through the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend... with two
separate storm systems expected to impact the Mojave Desert and
southern Great Basin. The first system will approach the coast of
California by Tuesday afternoon then move inland Tuesday night and
Wednesday. This system could bring widespread precipitation to the
Mojave Desert and southern Great Basin... with significant snow
accumulations possible in the high mountains. Snow levels are
expected to lower to around 6000 feet by Wednesday afternoon.
A brief break in the wet weather is expected Thanksgiving day before
a second Pacific storm is forecast to drop down the West Coast
Friday and Saturday. Details are less certain with this second
system though it will have the potential to impact the entire region
with another round of rain in the valleys and snow in the mountains.
Those planning travel... or with outdoor plans for the Holiday
weekend... should keep informed with the latest forecasts and be
prepared to encounter winter driving conditions in the mountains.
Although the lower elevations are only expected to see rainfall
from these systems... roads will become slippery as the rain mixes
with oil and dust.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or check your favorite media source
for the latest updates on this changing weather pattern.