A late season storm that's forecast to bring rain and snow this weekend to Northern California could create treacherous driving conditions as well.

The March storm is a huge shift from February when Redding didn't record a drop of rain.

A winter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service targeting Siskiyou County that runs from 5 p.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday.

Snow likely will affect travelers on several North State highways, especially Interstate 5 where snowfall between 12 to 18 inches is expected in the Mount Shasta area.

“The window of opportunity for snow to accumulate on roads is expected to be shortly after dark Saturday evening into at least mid-morning Sunday,” the weather service said. “Snow is expected to taper off in the Mount Shasta region Sunday afternoon.”

Travelers should expect snowy conditions on I-5 from Dunsmuir to just south of Weed and parts of Highway 97 northeast of Weed. The weather service discourages people from driving in those areas due to the dangerous conditions.

“Those traveling should consider altering travel plans to avoid this period of impacting weather,” the weather service said.

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Snow levels will be between 2,500 to 3,000 feet with snow accumulating as low at 2,500 feet in those areas.

Forecasters warn that gusty winds will create whiteout conditions and say chain controls and road closures are likely, especially Saturday night through Sunday evening.

Elsewhere, snowfall will be “significant” in the southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains through Saturday evening as well as Sunday afternoon, according to the weather service.

Meanwhile, Lassen Volcanic National Park officials say the storm is likely to limit access to park facilities and cancel programs.

Residents of Mount Shasta and surrounding communities should continue to see a lot of snow through early next week. Forecasters predict a 90% chance of snow showers there Saturday and a 100% chance of snow Saturday night and into Sunday.

The forecast for snow ranges between an 80% to 50% chance Sunday night going into Monday. Snow is likely in Mount Shasta on Tuesday with heavy snow predicted Tuesday night before just a chance of snow is seen for Wednesday.

More:Historically dry: This could be first February on record in Redding with no rain

Redding-area residents will see an 80% chance of rain Saturday with a 90% chance Saturday night. Thunder boomed over Redding on Saturday and more thunderstorms are possible. Rain is guaranteed Sunday morning with a 100% chance decreasing to 70% before forecasters predict chances of showers through Wednesday.

The California Department of Transportation warns of snow during the storm on the following roadways:

I-5: 12 to 18 inches in the Mount Shasta area.

12 to 18 inches in the Mount Shasta area. Highway 44: 12 to 18 inches at Eskimo Hill.

12 to 18 inches at Eskimo Hill. Highway 89: 8 to 12 inches at Deadhorse Summit; 18 to 24 inches at Snowman Hill.

8 to 12 inches at Deadhorse Summit; 18 to 24 inches at Snowman Hill. Highway 299 west: 4 to 6 inches at Oregon Mountain; 6 to 8 inches at Buckhorn Summit; 1 to 2 inches in Weaverville.

4 to 6 inches at Oregon Mountain; 6 to 8 inches at Buckhorn Summit; 1 to 2 inches in Weaverville. Highway 299 east: 6 to 8 inches in Burney; 4 to 6 inches in Fall River Mills; 12 to 18 inches at Hatchet Mountain.

Mike Chapman is a photojournalist for the Record Searchlight in Redding, Calif. His newspaper career spans Yreka and Eureka in Northern California and Bellingham, Wash. Follow him on Twitter @mikechapman_RS. Subscribe today!