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Rain, snow head across California, but little drought help

Snow is shown on a tree and on the ground in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Monday, April 6, 2015. In the wake of an incredibly warm March, an unusually cold spring storm is rolling in. The strong and wet storm that will linger in Northern California through mid-week will do little to help the fix the drought. (AP Photo/Tahoe Daily Tribune, Isaac Brambila)
Snow is shown on a tree and on the ground in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Monday, April 6, 2015. In the wake of an incredibly warm March, an unusually cold spring storm is rolling in. The strong and wet storm that will linger in Northern California through mid-week will do little to help the fix the drought. (AP Photo/Tahoe Daily Tribune, Isaac Brambila)

By Associated Press 2 min read

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Scattered showers, cold air and near-winter temperatures rolled in to some parts of Northern California, an unusually cold spring storm that forecasters say will drop snow on barren mountains but will do little to help fix the drought.

“It’s a start but it’s just not enough,” said National Weather Service Forecaster Diana Henderson. “We have a rather large deficient to make up for. One or 2 inches around the Bay Area is just not going to do it.”

Thunderstorms, possibly with small hail, could roll in Tuesday.

Forecasters say 6 to 12 inches of snow could hit about 4,000 feet, with 1 to 2 feet on the higher peaks. The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a winter storm warning above 3,500 feet for heavy snow, which is in effect to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Mountain travel could be hazardous with slick roads, and motorists should carry chains and watch speeds, especially above 3,500 feet.