Heavy rain and snow are forecasted this week to hit the West Coast, where states are enduring a heavy drought, the Washington Post reports.

Why it matters: California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said that the state is facing "its worst drought since the late 1800s." While the precipitation will help address it, it will not be enough to entirely fix it.

• The mountain snow, which sticks around longer, is more likely to help than the rain.

What they're saying: "The snow melts and the runoff from the snowmelt is what a lot of reservoirs feed off going into the dry season for us," Sierra Littlefield, a meteorologist at the Weather Service in Sacramento, told the Post.

• "Most of the precipitation that is beneficial for the water sources that’s useful to us in California comes during the rainy season. Typically by April 1st we see our deepest snowpack."

State of play: The National Weather Service said starting Tuesday, Northern California will experience on and off precipitation lasting until Sunday afternoon.

• Parts of the Sierra Nevada may get up to 5 feet of snow, with 8 feet possible in higher elevations, per AP.
• Forecasters have a warning for travelers hitting the road: "Holiday travelers should prepare for winter driving conditions by packing chains, warm winter clothes, and extra food and water," AP notes.

A series of storms will bring significant snow and make travel difficult if not impossible in the Sierra at times as we head into Christmas weekend. Those living in the mountains should stock up with extra food so we don't have any Donner Party like stories in a few weeks. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/50D9AKIPrj

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 20, 2021