A powerful Pineapple Express storm could deliver a wet, white and potentially wild Christmas to California, with the possibility of snow in the Sierra Nevada and plenty of rainfall across the Southland. … “This atmospheric river pattern will bring significant amounts of rain,” said the weather service office in Sacramento. Snow levels could drop to 5,500 feet above sea level by Tuesday and Wednesday, suggesting “potential major mountain holiday travel impacts” for Christmas Eve. … In the Sierra, where resorts have been pained by warm weather and a snow drought so far this season, it was far from clear whether there would be enough cold air to lower snow levels.

Other weather and water supply news:

• San Francisco Chronicle: Northern California could see 8 straight days of rain. Here’s when it kicks off
• KTLA (Los Angeles): Christmas storm on track for Southern California next week