A storm is heading our way. This system has been brewing in from the Pacific North West. A strong atmospheric river swung through Northern California on Sunday. There we saw very strong winds, flooding, and even mudslides. This caused some damages, impacted travel, and caused power outages.
We are also seeing flash flood watches, wind advisories, and winter storm warnings. Expect snow levels to reach 2-4 feet above 8,000ft in the Sierra Nevada Sunday evening through Monday.
The main event however, comes on Monday.
The storm will tap into what's called an atmospheric river, essentially a deep supply of moisture, and will bring heavy rain to much of California.
Here in Kern County the first changes we'll notice are gusty winds.
Gusts up to 40 miles per hour are possible in the west sides hills very late Sunday night.
The rain then arrives in a heavy band Monday morning, with light showers lingering, especially in the mountains, through the afternoon and evening.
The rain from this storm won't be as bad here as at is in northern California, but it will be by far the biggest rain we've seen in months, and will even bring some flooding concerns.
At this point, we're expecting between about a half inch to an inch of rain in Bakersfield.
Higher totals are expected in the mountains and foothills.
Slippery, rain covered roads and minor urban flooding will be possible during your Monday morning commute.
In the mountains, more serious flooding is possible, including rock slides and debris flows, with the French Fire burn scar being an area of particular concern.
Stay tuned for more details through the overnight hours, and stay weather aware Monday as this storm system arrives.
