PACIFIC NORTHWEST & CALIFORNIA - The Pacific Northwest and California encountered an unexpected twist on Saturday as snow blanketed parts of the regions. A cold weather system from the Gulf of Alaska brought atypical conditions, resulting in road closures and surprising winter-like scenery.
As the unusual weather unfolded, local communities quickly adapted to the sudden change.
According to AP News, the National Weather Service stated that, specifically in California, approximately three inches of snow accumulated along Highway 89 in Lassen Volcanic National Park, leading to its temporary closure. A light dusting covered Mammoth Mountain and parts of the Sierra Nevada, and snow was reported at Tioga Pass for the first time in August since 2003.
The region also experienced significant rainfall, affecting areas from Redding to Red Bluff in California. As AP News added, local authorities issued warnings for slick roads and flash flooding in areas recovering from wildfires.
In Washington, reports stated that Mount Rainier was covered in a blanket of snow at high elevations. We are unsure as to how these conditions impacted fresh produce growers in the area, but will certainly be looking into it.
While it may still be too warm for snowpack to accumulate in the higher elevations, we keep our fingers crossed for continued precipitation as it adds to the natural reservoirs for water in California specifically. As the weather system moved out, forecasters predicted that the summer heat would quickly return.
To stay updated on the PNW and California's ever-changing weather and its impacts, keep an eye on AndNowUKnow.
