Bring those umbrellas with you before you head outdoors for Thursday. Scattered showers are expected throughout the valley and foothills, and some snow flurries are expected for the higher elevations.

The heaviest precipitation will be focused north of I-80, especially over the Coastal Range, western Shasta County, and the
northern Sacramento valley. Overall, 0.50 to 1.50 inches of rain are forecast across the Valley with 0.75 to 2.50 inches, locally
higher, of liquid precipitation possible over the mountains. 

The rain is expected to back down by Friday, but another wet system will bring more rain and snow over the weekend. 

Snow levels will be generally 4500 to 5500 feet Saturday, then falling to around 4000 feet Sunday. Snow amounts of 6 to 12 inches are forecast at pass levels; higher amounts are likely over the southern Cascades. The heaviest period of Sierra snow appears to be Sunday. Gusty winds could lead to periods of significant reductions in visibility. Therefore, this storm could lead to hazardous mountain travel, especially since it is the pre-holiday weekend.