The principal focus of this morning's briefing is the severe weather conditions currently affecting the western United States, particularly driven by a potent Pacific storm. This meteorological phenomenon is resulting in significant rainfall at lower elevations and heavy snowfall in mountainous regions, thereby posing serious travel hazards across various states. The National Weather Service has identified the western region as the primary area of concern, with additional advisories issued for blizzard conditions and coastal hazards. We shall also note that there are no active tropical cyclones reported in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific during this off-season period. As we navigate through the particulars of each state and their respective weather warnings, it remains imperative to exercise caution during travel in these affected areas.
Takeaways:
A strong Pacific storm is currently impacting the western United States with heavy rain and snow.
The National Weather Service emphasizes the western region as the primary area of concern today.
Hazardous travel conditions are prevalent in various states, particularly in the Sierra and Idaho regions.
Alaska is experiencing severe winter hazards, including blizzard warnings and flood advisories along coastal areas.
Southern California beaches are under high surf warnings due to increased rip currents and tidal overflow risks.
The National Hurricane Center reports no active tropical cyclones during this off-season period.
A strong Pacific storm continues to drive heavy rain at lower elevations and heavy mountain snow into the west today while a wintry mix brings slick travel across parts of the Northern Plains and upper Midwest into Monday.
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The National Weather Service highlights the west as the main impact area through today.
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The Storm Prediction Center's Day 1 outlook carries no severe thunderstorm areas in the tropics.
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The National Hurricane center reports no active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific during the off season.
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Earthquake monitoring remains routine.
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Let's run through the states.
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Alaska Anchorage NWS shows widespread winter hazards today including blizzard and winter storm warnings for parts of western southwestern Alaska, plus coastal flood and high surf advisories along portions of Bristol Bay and the Bering Coast.
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Travel and marine conditions remain hazardous.
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California Sierra Travel remains dangerous early today.
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Winter storm warnings are in effect through late morning afternoon for the Tahoe area and the west slope of the northern Sierra with heavy snow above 5,000ft and difficult to impossible travel along the north coast.
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A flood watch is posted for the Navarro river near Navarro.
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Southern California beaches carry Beach Hazard's high surf statements through this morning for increased rip current risk and minor tidal overflow.
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Cal OES says pre positioned rescue resources remained in Place through 8am Monday, January 5th due to this New Year's storm sequence.
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Hawaii Honolulu notes a Kona low west of the state bringing periods of showers and breezy winds.
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High surf advisories for east facing shores continue today with strong rip currents.
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Idaho Eastern Idaho's Bear River Range remains under a winter storm warning through 3pm MST Monday with additional snow and difficult travel over higher passes.
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West Central mountains have a new winter weather advisory from Tuesday night into Wednesday.
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Today still features areas of snow and reduced visibility.
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Nevada Greater Lake Tahoe area remains under a winter storm warning until 10am PST Monday with heavy snow and hazardous travel across the Tahoe Basin and adjacent Sierra Front.
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Oregon Cascades and foothills see advisories today with a winter storm watch Tuesday Thursday for heavier snow and travel impacts in the south central.
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Oregon Cascades Crater Lake, Diamond Lake Crescent Lake Utah Winter weather advisories continue today for the Wasatch Mountains and the Wasatch Plateau.
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Book cliffs with 4 to 8 inches above 7,500ft and slick roads.
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Southern mountains remain under an advisory as well.
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Washington Multiple waves of mountain snow today into midweek.
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Spokane NWS highlights several feet possible over Cascades.
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Idaho Panhandle peaks with challenging pass travel.
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All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.
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We'll keep watch on west coast snow and coastal hazards through today.
