March 12--Several feet of new snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada mountains this weekend as another El Ninfluenced storm moves into Northern California.
In what some are calling a "March Miracle," the Sierra have been hit by a series of powerful storms this month. That's important because the Sierra snowpack is a key source of water for California, which is in its fourth year of a drought.
The storms have boosted the snowpack and replenished reservoirs.
Heavy showers pummeled L.A. and Ventura counties Friday afternoon, and forecasters said there was a chance of some light rain in some areas of Southern California through the weekend.
The northern part of the state experienced rain and snow Friday with another storm system expected to arrive late Saturday morning, followed by another Sunday, the National Weather Service in Sacramento said.
Experts warned of mountain road closures and travel delays due to dangerous conditions.
In Southern California, forecasters said, the storms would result in high surf and dangerous rip currents at most beaches through the weekend. They advised beachgoers to enter the ocean only if lifeguards were present.
L.A. County health officials warned people not to swim or play in the ocean near storm drains and rivers through at least Monday to avoid bacteria and street trash washed to the sea by the rain.
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