The first of three storms is expected to move through the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra today, with more to follow Saturday and Sunday.
The main concern is for travelers headed over mountain passes. Johnny Powell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento, noted that Interstate 5 was closed north of Redding on Thursday night.
Substantial accumulations of snow are expected today on I-5 north of Shasta Lake; on Interstate 80 over Donner Pass; and on Highway 50 over Echo Summit.
Those who must head over the passes, Powell said, are advised to make sure they have chains and emergency flares.
In the Sierra west of Lake Tahoe, the snow level is expected to be around 4,000 feet. Up to 5 feet of snow are forecast to fall through Sunday.
The Sacramento area could receive about 2 inches of rain through tonight. High temperatures through the weekend are expected to be about 52 degrees, with lows around 46 degrees.
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