What had earlier been forecasted to be rain showers and light snow possible for Carson City and the lower valleys, has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Watch by the National Weather Service.
Forecasters now say anywhere from 1 to 5 inches of snow is possible along the valley floors beginning early Thursday morning, with 6 inches to a foot for the foothill areas above 5,500 feet.
The Winter Storm Watch is from early Thursday morning through Thursday evening for the greater Reno, Carson City, Carson Valley areas, along with Virginia City and Lyon County.
NWS forecasters say travel could be difficult, with hazardous conditions impacting the Thursday morning and evening commutes. Moderate to heavy snowfall will most likely happening early Thursday morning with rain mixing in with snow on the valley floors Thursday afternoon.
Motorists preparing to travel during this timeframe should go to NVroads.com for updated road conditions.
Meanwhile, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 10 p.m. Friday for the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Sierra. Heavy snow is expected with up to 2 feet along and west of Highway 89 and 2 to 4 feet along the Sierra crest. Forecasters say lake level at Tahoe could receive 10 to 18 inches.
Ridge winds may gust as high as 100 mph with gusts up to 50 mph at lower elevations. A Winter Storm Warning is also in effect for Northeast California, including Lassen, Eastern Plumas and Eastern Sierra counties from Wednesday night through Friday morning. Forecasters say 10 to 18 inches of snow is possible with higher amounts up to 2 feet along the highest peaks. Two to 6 inches are possible along east US-395.
Check back for updates.
