SOUTHLAND – (INT) – The first serious storm of the season has struck central and northern California.

Up to 2-feet of snow blanketed the highest elevations of the Northern Sierra Monday. Snowplows and chain controls appeared on Interstate 80.

Five confirmed tornadoes damaged dozens of homes and a handful of commercial buildings north of Sacramento.

The same storm system that originated in the Gulf of Alaska brought light showers to parts of the Inland Empire, but heavier amounts fell along the coast.

Forecaster Tom Rolinsky in Riverside predicts an abrupt change later in the week.

“By Thursday, high pressure will be building. This will bring gusty northeast winds through and below the canyons and passes of Southern California Thursday and Friday.”

That’ll trigger a rapid warm-up as temperatures return to the 80’s.

Story Date: October 24, 2012