The second and more powerful of two winter storms will move through the Sierra and western Nevada on Sunday into Monday, bringing gusty winds, heavy mountain snow, valley rain with 2 to 4 inches of snow possible on the valley floors.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Tahoe and much of the Sierra Sunday through noon Monday. Forecasters say heavy snow expected over the entire regional with snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches at Lake Lake and 1 to 3 feet above 7,000 feet and wind gusts of 90 mph are over Sierra ridges.
Travel will be very difficult with very long delays over Interstate 80, Highway 50, and 88. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Forecasts advise motorists to avoid travel noting they could be stuck in their vehicle for many hours. If you must travel, prepare for long delays and carry an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing. If you stay home, have a backup plan in case of power outages.
Meanwhile the storm will also impact western Nevada and lower valley areas, bringing windy conditions and periods of rain and snow. The weather service says the storm will most likely bring snow to the valley floors around Reno metro area, Carson City, Douglas, Storey counties Sunday night and Monday morning. Accumulation could range from up to an inch of snowfall around Reno-Sparks, with 2 to 4 inches possible for areas in the Carson Valley and Storey County.
Wind gusts of 30-50 mph continue today in the lower elevations. Sierra ridges could gust as high as 90 mph. Be prepared for travel restrictions for high profile vehicles along Highways 95, 395, as well as Interstate 580. Turbulence and low level wind shear could impact flights in and out of the region.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 511 or by going to NVroads.com.
