TRUCKEE, Calif. — The first winter storm of the 2015-16 season is forecast to hit the Tahoe-Truckee region Sunday and Monday, bringing a few inches of snow to higher elevations to kick off November.

The “potent winter storm” should produce gusty winds Sunday afternoon and bring “abundant moisture and precipitation Sunday night into Monday,” according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

Snow levels are expected to begin between 8,000 and 9,000 feet Sunday evening, before falling to 5,000 feet late Monday morning, according to a special weather statement from NWS.

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“While most of the rain and snow is expected to fall while the snow levels are high, a few inches of snow over the Sierra passes are possible as snow levels fall Monday morning,” according to the forecast.

As is the case with most Sierra storms, conditions will make driving a challenge. Snow tire or chain restrictions may be in effect along most highways and passes, including Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50, California highways 28, 89 and 267, and Nevada highways 28, 207 and 431.

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According to NWS, it’s possible the High Sierra passes of Tioga and Sonora will close with the storm.

While some blogs and other forecasting websites have reported in recent days as much as 6 to 12 inches of snow are expected, NOAA is forecasting a few inches.