Get ready for the first major winter storm of the season that arrives this week to California: These areas must get ready for snow

The West Coast of the United States is on alert for the imminent arrival of a bomb cyclone, the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center warned. The area of low pressure will stay in place off the Pacific northwest coast creating severe weather conditions through the rest of the week.

It will bring powerful winds to the region, as well as an atmospheric river that will deliver heavy rain and heavy snowfall.

Get ready for the first major winter storm of the season that arrives this week to California: These areas must get ready for snow

This unusual weather phenomenon will cause grief in California, Oregon and Washington with up to two feet of snow predicted, potentially more through Thursday. The most affected areas will be the Cascades down to the Sierra Mountains in northern California. Heavy snow will also fall across the Columbia Plateau and northern Rockies in Idaho and Montana.

Heavy, wet snow will begin on Tuesday night with “accumulation rates of 2-3 inches per hour and wind gusts up to 65 mph” which “will result in whiteout/blizzard conditions and near impossible travel at pass level,” says the National Weather Service. The heavy snow will continue through Wednesday and rapidly increase going into the night.

Other severe weather that will affect the West Coast: weather in real time

Excessive rainfall is expected starting this Tuesday, November 19. According to forecasts by meteorologists, bad weather on the West Coast will last at least until Friday, November 22. As the storm reaches maximum intensity on Wednesday expect “numerous flash floods, hazardous travel, power outages and tree damage,” warns the Weather Prediction Center.

The areas most affected by the rain and risk of flash flooding range from south of Portland, Oregon, to north of San Francisco, California, where rainfall accumulation of up to 8 inches is expected.

We share with you an interactive map, developed by Windy.com, with real-time weather on the west coast of the United States.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.