A cold spring storm system moving into the region Saturday is expected to bring valley rain and the potential for snow showers around Carson City and surrounding counties, with heavy snow at Lake Tahoe, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning for the mountains.
Valley rain with dropping snow levels
According to NWS forecasters, conditions around the valley areas Saturday will include rain showers mainly after 11 a.m. with the snow level near 6,200 feet and rising to 7,000 feet by the afternoon. Rain showers are likely before 11 p.m., then rain and snow showers between 11 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m, Sunday with snow showers likely after 2 a.m. Snow level will start in the evening at 6,900 feet and then lower to 4,800 feet after midnight, forecasters said.
Winds will be out of the south 10 mph to 15 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph. NWS forecasters at this time are saying there’s a 90 percent chance of precipitation Saturday with snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible later in the evening and into the overnight.
Sunday around Carson City and lower valley will see snow showers before 2 p.m., then rain and snow showers with little or no snow accumulation expected, NWS forecasters said.
Heavy snow prompts Winter Storm Warning for Lake Tahoe
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued due to the incoming weather system, which is expected to bring snow accumulations anywhere between 6 to 10 inches for communities surrounding Lake Tahoe and up to 7,000 feet with and 1 to 2 feet of snow above 7,000 feet and for Sierra passes. Gusty winds as high as 90 mph are possible along the Sierra crest and 20 mph 35 mph for communities surrounding Lake Tahoe.
The Winter Storm Warning is from 2 p.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Sunday with travel conditions expected to be difficult to near impossible, especially for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning commutes, forecasters said, also advising that strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines. Snow showers may linger Monday.
If traveling, motorists are advised to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. See NVroad.com or call 5-1-1 for the latest road conditions.
Check back for updates.
