Although our weather is fairly quiet this evening, a major and long-lasting winter storm is bearing down on northern California with much colder air, stronger wind, heavy rain and very heavy snow beginning Tuesday and lasting through the weekend. Our sky is fairly clear right now and although the wind is blowing, some of the coldest lows we've had this season are coming. A Hard Freeze Warning is in effect for the valley and foothills with lows in the 20s and lower 30s possible, with 10s and 20s in the mountains. Tuesday will start cold with increasing clouds, then rain and snow along with stronger wind will progress throughout the rest of Tuesday and into Wednesday. Highs will range from the 30s to the 40s for all areas.

This storm system is cold enough to cause valley snow late Tuesday through early Wednesday, mainly for the Shasta and Tehama counties, but also for Glenn and Butte counties. The strong wind from the south will help warm the lower levels, so the snow will turn to rain, but the wind could be damaging late Tuesday through Wednesday. More heavy rain and snow will fall Wednesday and Thursday. Both are still possible Friday, but it won't be as heavy, and more rain and snow will fall this weekend and early next week. Mountain road travel is discouraged and may not be possible by late this week. Valley areas can expect several inches of rain, while our highest mountains may receive over 6 feet of snow. Highs in the 30s, 40s & 50s.