'Significant Accumulating Snow': NWS; Berkeley Forecast

BERKELEY, CA — A winter storm warning for parts of the Bay Area will last into Friday, until 11 a.m., with strong winds, rain, snow at higher elevations, and frigid temperatures returning to Berkeley, according to the Thursday morning forecast from the National Weather Service. The snow is expected to be "significant" with up to 18 inches accumulating at the highest elevations in the East Bay.

Destructive winds, like those on Tuesday that brought down trees and power lines, are included in the forecast. Peak gusts are expected to be around 50 MPH. PG&E reminds you to keep your phone, laptop and other devices charged. If you see downed power lines, call 911 immediately. The wind advisory is scheduled to expire at 4 p.m. Friday

A frost advisory is in effect from midnight to 9 a.m. Protect your pets and sensitive plants.

Don't expect the daytime high temperature to reach 50 degrees until Saturday, and the cold air will stick around for awhile. The 10-day forecast shows highs in the 40s and 50s.

If you plan to bundle up your kids and take them into the snow for sledding, snowball fights, snow angels or perhaps to build a snowman — use extra caution when driving on slick roads. If you are considering a trip to the Sierra, it is getting clobbered with several feet of snow. The CHP reported white-out conditions on some roads Thursday morning.