The National Weather Service warned that a hazardous winter storm could be coming into Lake County, with an urgent winter storm warning in effect through noon on Christmas day.
The National Weather Service said that rain will mix with snow, and snow is expected to fall as low as 1,500 feet on Christmas morning, with 3 to 6 inches of snow possible to 3,000 feet by Christmas afternoon, and 1 to 2 inches as low as 2,000 feet.
The agency also warned of wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour that will decrease by late morning on Christmas.
Cobb residents reported about 3 inches of snow fell early Wednesday, with some of it melting off.
Throughout the day, the Cobb area was the scene of hazardous road conditions, with the California Highway Patrol reporting icy and snow-covered roads, causing vehicles to get stuck in the snow.
The snow was so bad in some spots that tow trucks reported the roads weren't passable. The Lake County Roads Department was called in to plow the areas.
Other parts of the county also reported the impact of the winter conditions on roads, with trees and boulders reported on portions of Highway 29.
CHP Officer Josh Dye said most of the weather-related road issues on Wednesday were to be found in Cobb due to the snow, with some snowy slush in the Clear Lake Rivieras also reported. He advised that after dark the roads become icy all over the county.
Late Wednesday, the CHP reported snow in parts of the Mendocino National Forest above Upper Lake.
On Wednesday evening, the CHP began its maximum enforcement period, which Dye said will be in effect until Dec. 28.
During that four-day period, Dye said the CHP will have 80 percent of its available staff on duty, which will mean from three to five officers at a time will be patrolling the county's roadways during the busy holiday.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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