Heavy to excessive rainfall, high winds, and thunderstorms will be possible Thursday for Northern and Central California. Blizzard conditions will be likely for the Sierra Nevada above 6000 feet. Across Western New England, snow will continue.

Northern and Central California: A significant Pacific low pressure system will bring major impacts to this region including excessive rainfall and strong damaging winds. Widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected with 5 to 10 inches of rain possible in the favored areas. Thunderstorms will be possible. Strong winds will also be a significant concern with widespread gusts in excess of 50 mph. Flooding and wind damage will be a significant threat across the region in association with this storm system.

Sierra Nevada: The approaching Pacific low pressure system will result in winter storm/blizzard conditions developing over the northern Sierra Nevada Wednesday night into early Thursday and then spreading southward through the day Thursday into Thursday night. The worst conditions are expected above 6000 feet, and those locations could receive 10 to 20 inches of snow with 2 to 3 feet in the highest elevations. Southerly winds of 30 to 50 mph with gusts to 80 mph or higher are expected. Winds will decrease by Friday morning however snow levels will fall to around 5000ft during that time. Mountain passes may be closed for an extended period.

Western New England: Low pressure will remain in place over New England resulting in a continued threat for unsettled weather. A broad area of western New England and southeastern Canada could receive an additional 2 to 4 inches of snow although the severity of the winter weather should generally be decreasing by Thursday night.