WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT ABOVE 5000 FEET FROM LATE MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations of up to 12 to 18 inches, with up to 2 feet at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 inches possible down to 4500 feet. Southwest winds could gust as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades above 5000 feet, including Highway 50, Interstate 80 and Lassen National Park.

* WHEN...From late Monday night through Wednesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday and Wednesday commutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels initially 6000 to 7000 feet Monday night, lowering to 5500 to 6500 feet Tuesday, and down to 4500 to 5500 feet Wednesday. Heaviest snowfall expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Check the latest road conditions from Caltrans online at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or dial 5 1 1. close