12/12 Weather Forecast: Valley rain, mountain snow Thursday with deluge of rain, snow this weekend
Here’s how to plan your day around the wet weather.
As wet weather returns to Northern California after weeks of dry days, commuters in the Valley can expect a soggy morning, while travelers in the Sierra will see traffic delays amid the snowy conditions.
JLR is calling Thursday an Aware Day because of how rain and snow can affect outdoor activities and travel.
As of 7 am, chain controls were up for both Highway 50 and Interstate 80.
On Highway 50, chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires from 3 miles east of Kyburz to Meyers.
On 80 eastbound, chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires from Baxter to Truckee and westbound chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires from Truckee to Baxter.
Rain will move through the morning with showers that will linger through the afternoon and into the evening. The greatest accumulations are expected before sunrise, but Thursday will be an overall wet day with a couple breaks in the morning and evening.
Snow levels on Thursday will range from 4,000 feet to 5,000 feet.
A stronger system will arrive Saturday with heavy rain and gusty winds. In the Bay Area, that storm coupled with expected king tides could lead to costal flooding in some areas.
In the Tahoe region, significant travel impacts are expected along Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and 50 over Echo this weekend, starting Friday, worsening on Saturday.
A Winter Storm Warning is up for both highways from early Friday at 4 a.m. through 10 Saturday night with officials warning of impossible travel.