‘Atmospheric River’ Dumps Heavy Rain, Snow Across California

‘Atmospheric River’ Dumps Heavy Rain, Snow Across California
Highway 50 is closed from Ice House Road to Meyers in El Dorado County, Calif., due to flooding, on Dec. 31, 2022. Caltrans District 3 via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:
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SACRAMENTO, Calif.—A powerful storm brought drenching rain or heavy snowfall to much of California on Saturday, snarling traffic and closing highways as the state prepared to usher in a new year.

In the high Sierra Nevada, as much as 2 feet of snow could accumulate into early Sunday. The National Weather Service in Sacramento warned about hazardous driving conditions and posted photos on Twitter showing traffic on snow-covered mountain passes, where vehicles were required to have chains or four-wheel drive.