California Storm Brings First ‘Winter-Like’ Widespread Rain, Heavy Sierra Snow of Season

California is experiencing its first widespread soaking of the season, which will also include the heaviest Sierra snowfall so far this fall. This storm system is currently diving southward along the California coast, with rain from the Central Valley into parts of Southern California, and snow falling in the Sierra.

There’s even a severe thunderstorm watch until 6 a.m. PDT for parts of Southern California, including L.A., Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. According to the National Weather Service, this is the first severe thunderstorm watch issued for the L.A. Basin in over 17 years, since Jan. 27, 2008.