Carson City area weather: Parade of winter storms lined up into the new year
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 12/30/2020 - 12:10pm
With the closing of 2020 the new year will bring in a parade of winter storms for the Sierra, Carson City area and western Nevada, according to the National Weather Service.
These storms will bring multiple periods of strong winds, heavy mountain snow, along with valley rain and snow. This will likely cause significant travel impacts in the Sierra next week. Chances for valley snow — including Carson City and Reno — will be increasing by midweek, forecasters say.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch effective from Sunday evening through Monday for the greater Lake Tahoe Area, and Mono County, Lassen and Eastern Plumas and Sierra counties in California, with heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches, except 1 foot or more above 7,000 feet possible. Exposed Sierra ridge winds could gust to 100 mph or higher.
This is expected to be the first of a series of storms next week. Plan on difficult travel in and around the Sierra through much of next week with a bigger storm possible Tuesday night into Wednesday.
What to expect for the start of the New Year
Multiple storms impacting the region from Saturday night through midweek. As many as 3 or more waves of moisture are forecast to move into the Sierra and western Nevada next week. So, expect multiple periods of mountain snow, strong winds, and valley rain next week with increasing chances for valley snow by midweek. The best bet for a strong storm with significant precipitation and wind currently looks to be Monday into Tuesday.
For next week, more storms are lined up and could bring strong winds with heavy snow accumulations in the mountains. Snow accumulations become more likely in western Nevada going into midweek.
Impacts next week
Periods of heavy snow in the Sierra will likely cause significant disruptions in travel along with increasing avalanche concerns possible. Keep a close eye on the forecast, and be sure to allow extra time and check road conditions with NDOT and Caltrans before you depart. Strong winds will result in impacts for high profile vehicles, and possible tree and fence damage in wind prone areas.
Check the latest forecast at weather.gov/Reno and check road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT.
For the latest weather discussion go here. For Carson City area updates see CarsonWeather.com.
