A strong winter storm will push into the Carson City and Lake Tahoe region today bringing rain to the valley and several feet of snow to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra though at least Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno and Carsonweather.com.
Periods of heavy rain, wind and snow are expected as the impressive and complex series of storms makes its way into the Sierra and Western Nevada. Meanwhile, forecasters and hydrologists are keeping their eyes on the possibility of flooding for the region, as rain will mix with snow in the foothills.
A winter weather advisory for snow in the Carson City, Carson Valley and Reno areas is effective at 2 p.m. today. A winter storm warning for the Lake Tahoe and Sierra is to begin this morning, according to the weather service.
Light snow for the Carson City region could start this afternoon and continue through tonight before it changes over to rain, according to the weather service. Potential snow accumulations for the Carson City area range from 1 to 2 inches, with up to 4 inches in the foothills. Snow levels will initially be low on the valley floors, rising to around 6,000 feet after midnight. The weather service warns that travel may be difficult along Highway 395 and Interstate 80.
For the Lake Tahoe area, snow is likely to begin as early as this morning, with the heaviest snow expected tonight through early Saturday night and then again through Sunday morning.
Hourly snowfall rates may exceed 2 to 4 inches per hour during the strongest portion of the storm. Three to 8 feet of snow is likely in the Sierra above 7,000 feet, significantly increasing avalanche danger.
Those living in remote higher elevation areas in the Sierra could be snowed in for multiple days and should prepare accordingly. Strong winds will accompany this storm Saturday and Sunday with gusts of 50 to 70 mph in the lower elevations and winds of 100 mph or more over the Sierra ridges.
This will cause considerable blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions over mountain passes and wind prone areas. The snow will be very heavy and wet which combined with the strong damaging winds could down power lines and trees, according to the weather service. This may cause widespread power outages across the Sierra. The snow will turn to rain at lake level Saturday and Saturday night with localized pooling of water likely.
Debris and excess snow should be cleared from gutters and drainages during this period to reduce the risk of flooding. Conditions in the Sierra could become dangerous this weekend due to rapid snow accumulations and strong winds. Motorists should consider altering plans to avoid the dangerous travel conditions. Travel restrictions are likely, with road closures and lengthy delays possible. Backcounty activities in the Sierra are strongly discouraged this weekend.
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