Sacramento braces for rain, wind and mountain snow as holiday travellers face turbulent weather

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento has issued a weather alert warning of significant rain, mountain snow, and strong winds set to impact Northern California.

While Christmas morning began on a tranquil note, conditions are expected to shift dramatically by evening, bringing challenging travel conditions for holiday travelers.

Rain is expected to spread south and east from northwest Shasta County later today, accompanied by breezy south winds.

Northern Shasta County could see up to 4 inches of rain, with additional rainfall predicted for the Northern Sacramento Valley and areas north of Interstate 80. Lower rain totals are expected further south.

Morning fog posed visibility challenges below half a mile for parts of the valley, particularly south of I-80.

Travelers are advised to slow down and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

The NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. tonight through noon Friday for the western slopes of the Northern Sierra Nevada, Western Plumas County, and Lassen Park.

Snow levels are expected to range between 3,500 and 6,500 feet, with accumulations of 5 to 10 inches or more in higher elevations.

Travelers in mountain regions should prepare for challenging conditions, as winds are forecast to gust up to 45 MPH along the Sierra crest. There is a 40-70% chance of snow totals exceeding 6 inches above 6,000 feet between Wednesday evening and Friday morning.

As the weekend approaches, precipitation will continue, but rising snow levels will shift impacts to rain in higher terrains.

Additional rainfall of 1.5 to 3 inches is expected in the mountains north of I-80, while valley rain amounts will be lighter. Wind gusts of over 40 MPH are likely in the foothills on Thursday and Friday, with the strongest winds expected Thursday.

Looking ahead, the NWS forecasts a drier start to next week, with near-normal high temperatures and the potential for light precipitation in northern areas by midweek.

This transition to more stable weather will provide relief after the holiday storm surge.

Stay safe and plan ahead as the holiday week continues.