Winter Storm — North Coast Interior, California

2015-12-23 to 2015-12-25 · North Coast Interior, California

Event narrative

Numerous snowfall reports met warning criteria. Snowfall totals of up to 16 inches were reported. Snow levels were down to 1500 to 2000 feet in general. Precipitation initially started off as rain before snow levels lowered. Chain requirements were up for Hwy's 36, 199, and 299, ranging from R-1 to R-2. Hwy 36 was shut down overnight 12/24 to 12/25 at Dinsmore due to heavy snow bringing a tree down over the highway and dragging the power lines down with it. This resulted in a widespread power outage from Bridgeville to Dinsmore. There were multiple CHP reports of vehicle spinouts and vehicles in the ditch on Hwy 299 near Berry Summit.

Wider weather episode

A significant winter storm brought widespread snowfall to northwest California just in time for holiday travel. Snow levels were low. This resulted in chain requirements on many of the area highways.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 605724. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.