Northern California was placed under an extreme cold watch by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 12:56 a.m. The watch is valid for Friday, Jan. 9 between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m.

A lot of weather will be impacting Northern California through the holiday, with valley winds and thunderstorms, and heavy Sierra snow.

The NWS San Francisco CA issued a report at 1:52 p.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 2:30 p.m. The alert is for Santa Clara Valley Including San Jose, Eastern Santa Clara Hills and Northern Salinas Valley/Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley.

Numerous roads will be closed. Low-lying property, including homes, businesses and some critical infrastructure, will likely be inundated,” the National Weather Service said.

In the Sierra Nevada, a winter storm warning was set to go into effect Tuesday night and last through 10 p.m. Friday. The Sierra and Southern Cascades above an elevation of 4,500 feet are expected to get at least 1 foot of snow, while 4 to 8 feet of snow are expected above 5,500 feet.

The NWS Hanford CA issued a weather alert at 12:32 p.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 1 p.m. The alert is for West Side Mountains north of 198, Los Banos - Dos Palos and Merced - Madera - Mendota.

Freezing cold is expected to sweep through a number of NFL games in Week 15. From warm breezes in Palm Springs to Santa Fe's uncrowded hot springs, there's a lot to love about these winter destinations.