The Sierra Nevada could get more than 10 feet of fresh snow, Reynolds said, with snow levels around 5,000 feet.
The Sacramento River may overflow its weirs into flood-control bypasses, he said, including the Yolo Bypass. Coastal rivers could be in flood mode by the end of next week.
The cause is a turbocharged jet stream streaking across the Pacific Ocean from the tropics at 240 mph. That's nearly double the usual speed of the jet stream, and it's a hallmark of the El Niño pattern, Reynolds said.
It is expected to bring a fresh storm to California every 24 to 36 hours, and may be with us well into February, he said.
"This could be a real blessing to the state," Reynolds said. "We may get some wind damage and coastal erosion, but the fact that the snowpack is going to increase by leaps and bounds is really good news."
The first storm late Saturday and Sunday will be light. The biggest in the forecast so far is expected Wednesday and Thursday, along with high winds.
turbocharged may be a bit of overkill.. sure hope it doesn’t blow any chimney smoke in anyone’s eyes.
This could be a rough few days for many at that rate.