One of the coldest winter storms in a decade is making its way toward San Luis Obispo County, bringing with it the chance for snow along mountaintops and even in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo.

If snow flurries were to fall in San Luis Obispo, it would be the first time since 1976, said local forecaster John Lindsey.

Other places in the county that typically see a snowfall at least once every winter, such as Creston, also stand a good chance this time around.

Motorists will have to be aware of possible snowy conditions as they drive over the Cuesta Grade, as snow is expected at the 1,500-foot summit of the grade.

Lindsey sounded a caution: Much of the rain will fall Friday. By the time the coldest air arrives Saturday morning, the storm system will be packing less moisture.

“There is a good chance we will see a snow flurry in San Luis, but it will be short-lived and there won’t be any accumulations,” Lindsey said.

Today will start out rainy across the county, with highs in the low 50s.

Forecasters are looking at snow possibilities beginning tonight and continuing into early Saturday.

The overnight low in Paso Robles will be 32 degrees, with the snow level dropping to an elevation of 700 feet, said the National Weather Service. The opportunity for snow will continue until 10 a.m. Saturday, when it should be warm enough for any snow to change to rain, the weather service said.

In San Luis Obispo, the snow level could drop to 500 feet by Saturday morning, and some of the higher points around town — like Islay Hill, Cerro San Luis, Bishop Peak and Prefumo Canyon — might get a dusting.