Heavy 'Sierra Cement' Snow Expected With Next Storm

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A cloudy day is in store for the Sacramento region, but big changes could be coming as soon as Wednesday night.

The main event arrives by early Thursday morning and will bring gusty south winds up to 30 mph, moderate rain to the valley, heavy rain to the foothills and snow to the mountains.

Forecasts predict this storm to bring heavy, wet snow – a kind of snow the National Weather Service has termed "Sierra cement." The concern is that this kind of snow, combined with wind, could cause power outages and whiteout conditions over the mountains.

Between 4-8 inches of snow is expected for the 5000-foot level, while between 12-18 inches of snow could pile up at the passes on Interstate 80 and Highway 50.

Up to two feet of snow is possible at higher peaks, forecasters say.

A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect for the western slope of the Sierra from 4 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday.

Expect rain in the valley to be heavier in the morning on Thursday, then heavy again in the evening hours.

Another round of wet and breezy weather could hit on Sunday.