What forecasters are calling this region's strongest storm in years is expected to push into Northern California early Thursday, bringing perhaps 1.5 inches of rain to Stockton and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

While good news for the state's water supply, the storm could very well lead to widespread power outages, downed trees and flash floods, the National Weather Service said this morning.

An added problem may be all of the holiday decorations in people's yards. Forecasters recommend that property owners either secure those decorations or bring them inside until the storm has passed.

Stockton's potential 1.5 inches of rain would actually be on the low side, with 2.5 inches possible in Sacramento and even 4 inches possible in some Central Valley locations. It'll be even wetter in the foothills, though snow levels will start high, at about 7,000 feet.