As the latest Pacific storm spins off the coast of Northern California, a flow of moisture is moving onshore from San Diego to the Pacific Northwest. Having already endured several storms, the soil west of the mountain ranges is already saturated and the risk of flash-flooding and mudslides is high, especially in the burn areas.
Once again, the Sierra snowpack will be augmented, a welcome development for the regional water supply but a potential source of river flooding in the spring.
Aggravating this stagnant weather pattern is a dome of high pressure that is producing unseasonably warm weather across most of the U.S. Here in central Missouri, we reached a high of 67 degrees F today and expect spring-like conditions for another three days. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate the holiday!
