Travelers, beware: Snow in the Sierra, rain in the valley

SACRAMENTO — Up to 3 feet of snow is expected to fall in the Sierra as a winter storm watch has been issued from tonight through Friday morning in the Truckee area, the National Weather Service reports.

The blustery weather is expected to begin during the day today, featuring a south wind from 15 mph to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph, the weather service predicts. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible. The brunt of the storm will hit tonight.

Rain and snow is expected to continue Thursday, turning to all snow in the Sierra after 10 a.m.

For the Sacramento area, rain is forecast today and Thursday. Lodi, too, can expect some moisture: brief, occasional showers today and Thursday, according to Accuweather.com, a private forecasting service.