A series of major winter storms will bear down on the region next week with significant valley rain and mountain snow expected. Snow levels should be the lowest season to date, with the potential for 'feet' of snow. Looking at a pretty nice weekend out there under mostly clear skies with slightly warmer temperatures. Daytime highs will reach the upper 40s to around 50 degrees today and tomorrow, while overnight lows drop into the mid-20s. A bit breezy during the afternoons with west winds 5-15 mph, gusting to 25 mph Sunday afternoon. A cold low-pressure system will dig south from the Gulf of Alaska on Sunday and set up shop off the California coast early next week. This storm will send a series of systems through the area Monday through Wednesday bringing rain and snow, possibly heavy at times. Clouds and winds will increase late Sunday with the first storm arriving on Monday. This first system will tap into an AR, pushing the snow level up a bit initially, likely starting off around 6,500 feet, lowering to 5,500 feet Monday night. Colder air arrives on Tuesday and Wednesday with the next system, bringing the snow level down to 5,000 feet Tuesday, possibly as low as 4,000 on Wednesday. Gusty west winds 15-30 mph will also accompany this series of storms, with gusts to 45 mph possible, making for extremely treacherous travel. Snow showers will taper off later Wednesday or Thursday as low pressure departs the region. Total rainfall amounts across our coastal and valley areas of 1-2 inches can be expected, with 2-4 inches on the lower coastal slopes. Snowfall accumulations of 1-2 feet are expected through next week above 5,000 feet, with localized amounts near 3 feet possible above 6,500 feet. If traveling into the mountains, be prepared for heavy snowfall and possible blizzard-like conditions throughout much of next week, and always carry chains!