Significant snowfall and rain to hit the Sierras

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard and high wind warning along with flood watch starting at 10 p.m. on Wednesday night.

"Significant snowfall" is expected to impact the Sierra with one to three feet of snow possible above 7,000 feet with up to 12 inches down to 6,000 feet. The storm is expected to have snow levels dropping to 5,000 feet Thursday night. The Weather Service says heavier precipitation bands may locally lower snow levels to lake level during the day on Thursday.

Snow is forecast to continue through Friday afternoon.

Winds will be strong and from the south 20 to 35 MPH Wednesday through Thursday with gusts to 60 MPH possible for the lower elevations. Ridge winds will exceed 100 MPH.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 42. Windy, with a southwest wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Thursday: Rain, mainly after 10am. High near 51. Very windy, with a south wind 40 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Thursday Night: Rain, possibly mixed with snow. Low around 34. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Friday: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 38. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday: A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 38.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.