LAKE Tahoe in California will be covered in eight feet of snow and hit by 100mph winds, according to a winter storm warning. 

Northern California was hit with a major winter storm, forcing drivers to chain up their tires as they commuted through the weather. 

The highest peaks of the state could see eight feet of snow while other parts will get drenched. The storm is expected to intensify overnight while strong winds may cause power outages.

The National Weather Service said winds could reach as high as 65mph combined with 2-4 inches of rain with higher totals of 4-7.5 inches in areas like Grass Valley.

“This is a pretty widespread event,” said Anna Wanless, an NWS meteorologist. 

“Most of California, if not all, will see some sort of rain and snow.”

The rain will bring slight relief to the state which has been facing an over 20-year drought caused by climate change.

Other states such as Montana, Oregon, Nevada and Utah are also in exceptional drought, the worst category of the US drought monitor. 

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Melted snow may help reservoirs that deliver water to states, cities, tribes, farmers and utilities. 

Weather like this is typical for this time of year but it's notable, forecasters say.

“This is the first big snow with those travel impacts, and it’s just transitioning into that,” Wanless said. 

People are being advised to stay indoors by officials. The rain may cause minor flooding and rockslides, especially in areas hit by wildfire.

‘CONTINUOUS SNOW’

Another storm system is predicted to hit California with “almost continuous snow”, says meteorologist Scott McGuire.

Motorists could face downed trees and white-out conditions, making travel difficult and even dangerous. 

“If you are traveling through the Sierra, either get ahead of the storm before snowfall or wait until it’s over to get up there,” said McGuire.

“It will be increasingly treacherous,”

COULD CAUSE AVALANCHES

The Sierra Avalanche Center said heavy snow and strong winds on the top of a weak snowpack could result in destructive avalanches.

A 60-year-old man died after an avalanche hit a ski resort on Crystal Mountain Saturday. 

Power outages may happen in the Bay Area, said Pacific Gas & Electric. Vegetation is being cleared from power lines to lower the chance of outages.

Lichen Crommett, manager of the San Lorenzo Garden Center in Santa Cruz, said a light sprinkling of rain Sunday morning didn’t keep customers away.

“It’s not like raincoat worthy just yet, but any second it could change,” she said.

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