LAKE TAHOE, CA (WTXL / ABC) - The west coast's strongest storm in years has been pummeling California and Oregon. The effects are also being felt as far east as Nevada where snowfall amounts in the Sierra Mountains have soared up to nearly 4 feet of snow.
A atmospheric plume of moisture streaming in from Hawaii, known as the "Pineapple Express," is to blame for this large storm. Up to 5" of rain came down in some spots near San Francisco where rivers are quickly rising above flood stages.
Meanwhile on the California coast, waves are going to get even larger due to hurricane-force wind speeds whipping off the Pacific, reaching up to 15 feet high today causing dangerous rip currents as well.
Officials are urging surfers and swimmers to stay out of the water.
