A storm from the Gulf of Alaska brought over 2 feet of mountain snow, with lighter amounts into the foothills. Severe thunderstorms developed behind a cold front on the afternoon of the 24th and produced 2 tornadoes, one touching down in El Dorado Hills, the other in Ceres.

Tornado in EL DORADO, CALIFORNIA
From 24-DEC-15 15:00:00 to 24-DEC-15 15:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: CLARKSVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1000.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A tornado touched down at Folsom Lake, and tracked eastward through El Dorado Hills, damaging business and home roofs, and knocking down fences and trees. The tornado continued eastward about 6 miles into Cameron Park, though it was not on the ground continuously. More roofs, trees, and fences were damaged in Cameron Park. No injuries were reported, though a large tree narrowly missed falling on a vehicle with a family of 4.

Thunderstorm Wind in STANISLAUS, CALIFORNIA
From 24-DEC-15 14:35:00 to 24-DEC-15 14:45:00 (PST-8)
Location: NORTHEAST MODESTO
Magnitude: 87.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Straight line winds brought down trees at Coffee Rd. and Athens Rd. A large tree with shallow roots fell on power lines and brought down 12 power poles.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA, CALIFORNIA
From 24-DEC-15 01:00:00 to 25-DEC-15 07:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

There were 20.0 inches of snow measured at Kirkwood Ski Resort, 24 hour total.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA, CALIFORNIA
From 24-DEC-15 07:00:00 to 25-DEC-15 07:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

There were 10.0 inches of snow measured at Sugar Bowl Ski resort at the base elevation of 6883 feet, 16.0 inches at the top elevation of  8383 feet.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA, CALIFORNIA
From 24-DEC-15 00:00:00 to 25-DEC-15 07:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

There was a storm total of 28.0 inches of snow measured by Caltrans at Donner Summit. This caused significant disruptions to holiday travel over the Sierra on I80 and Highway 50. Long delays were reported, with mandatory chain controls in effect.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA, CALIFORNIA
From 24-DEC-15 01:00:00 to 25-DEC-15 07:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

There were 16.0 inches of snow measured at Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, 24 hour total.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA, CALIFORNIA
From 24-DEC-15 00:00:00 to 24-DEC-15 09:57:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

There were 16 inches of new snow measured at Sonora at 6600 feet. There were 18 to 24 inches measured at higher peaks above 8000 feet.

Tornado in STANISLAUS, CALIFORNIA
From 24-DEC-15 15:15:00 to 24-DEC-15 15:20:00 (PST-8)
Location: (MOD)MODESTO ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

EFO tornado damage was confirmed in Ceres from Davis Rd. to Vinewood Dr. by a NWS damage survey team. A carport collapsed causing damage to a house. Several houses, trees and fences were damaged. The tornado was only on the ground for a brief time.