Heavy rain, snow expected with powerful Northern California storm
By: Bill Lindelof

A powerful, quick-moving winter storm is expected to hit today, delivering high winds, rain and snow to Northern California.

The strong storm system could deliver about an inch of rain to the Sacramento area and up to 3 feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada at higher elevations. The rain and snow will be accompanied by high winds that are expected to buffet evening commuters.

The storm is expected to pack more of a punch than Tuesday's weather system.

"It looks like a pretty decent storm," said Angus Barkhuff, a National Weather Service meteorologist. "It is stronger -- especially when it comes to winds -- than the past few that we have had."

Here's a look at weather in different regions of the north state:

VALLEY

• Rain after 10 a.m. Strongest rain expected this afternoon and tonight. Up to an inch of rain is forecast.

• Wind increasing to about 23 mph. Gusts to 39 mph. Strongest gusts mid-day to early evening.

• Wind advisory from noon to 10 p.m. Driving may be difficult.

Weekend forecast: Saturday -- Chance of showers, mostly cloudy. Sunday -- Mostly sunny.

FOOTHILLS

• Heavy rainfall expected this afternoon. One to 2 inches of rain predicted for Mother Lode.

• Winds increasing to 20 mph. Gusts to 26 mph.

• Possibility of thunderstorms tonight.

Weekend forecast: Showers Saturday morning becoming cloudy. Sunny on Sunday.

MOUNTAINS

• Try to avoid travel until late Saturday.

• One to 3 feet of snow above 7,000-foot elevation through Saturday. Six to 12 inches above 5,000-foot level through Saturday.

• Possible white-out conditions and blowing snow.

• South winds tonight to 30 mph with gusts to 70 mph.

• Sunday is expected to be great ski day with mostly sunny skies and temperatures forecast about 40 degrees at higher elevations.

Weekend forecast: Snow and rain showers Saturday, leading to cloudy conditions with isolated snow Saturday night. Mostly sunny on Sunday.