Winter storm in Bay Area: About 33 inches of snow expected at Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, scientists say

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, California (KGO) — Heavy snow is expected on Mount Hamilton over the next couple of days.

While it’s a popular spot for some to see the snow, scientists working at UCLA’s Leek Observatory say it’s best to stay away for now.

With snow expected in unusual places around the Bay Area, Mount Hamilton Observatory was relatively calm on Wednesday.

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But Dr. Paul Linham, an astronomer at the observatory, says they are preparing for much more.

“Some of these forecasts are predicting up to about 33 inches of snow over the next 72 hours. We are preparing for this snow,” Dr. Linham said.

“(Snow) is not uncommon on Mount Hamilton during the winter, but over the next few days we may get unusual accumulations of snow in a short amount of time.”

The observatory usually plans the month of February to be rainy, using it to maintain telescopes and other equipment.

VIDEO: From the archives: Snow fell in the Bay Area in 1976.

But due to the expected amount of snow, they have concerns about maintaining water supplies and other utilities.

However, one of their biggest concerns is keeping the roads safe and clean not only for themselves, but also for their neighbors.

RELATED: Here’s where and when snow is possible as the Bay Area sees its coldest temperatures of the season this week

“Large chunks of ice can fall six stories high and shatter a windshield. If they fall on you, if you get close to the building, it won’t be a very pleasant outcome,” Linham said.

Leaving him and the people at Lick Observatory one main message:

“If you want to help the observatory, and you want to help the people of Mount Hamilton, and you want to be prudent and stay safe,” he said, “don’t try to climb the mountain road.”

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