Low end strong storm will affect the region after about 10:00am Friday through Saturday night. Wind gusts of 15-25 mph possible tomorrow (Friday), then 15 mph or less. Light rain develops between 5:00am and 8:00am Friday and continues until the more heavier rain arrives at about 8:00pm. Rain keeps going to about 10am-noon Saturday then becomes more light and showery. Lingering showers possible to about sunrise Sunday. Total rainfall Fri-Sat 0.75-1.25". Snow levels start off at above 4000' Friday then gradually lowers to around 2500' Saturday evening.

Dry Sunday 8:00am-8:00pm then a medium strength storm moves in Sunday night through Monday. Winds 20 mph or less, 1/2-3/4" of rainfall. Some questions as to whether or not moisture gets drawn into the storm, which will cause Tuesday to either have rain or be completely dry.

CHRISTMAS WEEK: Maybe another storm around Dec 21-22 but the latest data signals are leaning at a weaker storm than previously thought. Also, Christmas Day is now becoming questionable since data previously hinted at a strong storm but now indicate high pressure may become strong here and block storms that would otherwise pass through. So if you're traveling or having guests from out of town around Christmas, regional weather hazards for travelers may not be nearly as bad as previously thought. But this is still far enough away for things to easily change. Weather models have been significantly struggling since October. Some of it is because of the weak La Nina forming but much of it is because of the persistently strong and blocking high pressure that been in place across the Western U.S. and North Pacific Ocean.