The National Weather Service expects a dry Christmas Eve, with the storm expected to approach the California coast Friday night and into early Saturday morning.
The agency said there is a possibility of light rain showers – plus snow in higher elevations – Christmas morning, with precipitation expected across the northern part of the state Saturday afternoon and evening.
Rain and mountain snow are forecast to become heavier Saturday night and Sunday morning, at the time the storm's main front system is pushing across California, the National Weather Service said.
Sunday could see continued showers throughout the day, as well as more snow in the mountains, the agency reported.
Forecasters predict that there will be an inch or more of rain falling on the Sacramento Valley floor over the weekend, with between 1 to 2 feet of snow above 7,000 feet by Monday morning.
The National Weather Service expects the storm to produce moderate snow levels ranging between 3,000 to 4,000 in the mountains in Shasta County to 4,000 to 5,000 feet over the Northern Sierra.
In Lake County, a special weather statement from the National Weather Service predicts a 100-percent chance rain on Saturday, with temperatures topping out at 42 during the day with a nighttime low of 36 degrees, and southeast winds between 15 and 21 miles per hour in the day, dropping to between 11 and 13 miles per hour at night.
For Sunday, Lake County has a 70-percent chance of rain, according to the forecast, with showers likely in the morning, to be followed by a cloudy day with a daytime high near 39 degrees and a nighttime low of 35 degrees. The chance of showers Sunday night drops to 30 percent.
Early next week, the agency also reports a slight chance of showers for Lake County.
For travelers, the National Weather Service cautions that travel throughout the holiday weekend is expected to be impacted.
Northern California's major mountain passes are expected to be impacted with chain controls, which could mean delays from Saturday night through Sunday afternoon, forecasters said. In some cases, heavy snow and strong winds could lead to white-out conditions.
For those who will be on the roads, be prepared for changing weather conditions, carry chains and emergency supplies, and check the latest weather reports before heading out.
While snow and rain won't stop sleighs with flying reindeer, for those traveling over the holidays, current road conditions can be checked by visiting Caltrans online at www.dot.ca.gov/ or calling 800-427-7623.
For the latest in weather conditions, visit the National Weather Service's Sacramento office online at www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/ or check out the weather forecast link on the Lake County News home page.
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