(Yuba-Sutter, CA) — The first of two major storms hitting Northern California in the coming days is expected to arrive today. An atmospheric river is forecast to bring periods of moderate to heavy rain, gusty winds, and heavy snow in the Sierra.

Rain is expected to start falling in Yuba-Sutter this afternoon and continue into early Friday. The heaviest rain is likely coming late tonight into early Thursday, when some areas could see up to a half inch of rain per hour.

A wind advisory is in place for portions of the Delta, the valley and the foothills. Gusts as strong as 45 to 55-miles-per-hour are possible.