The first significant storm of the season will arrive in the Carson City area this week bringing gusty winds, valley rain and valley and mountain snow and much colder temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
The coming storm had prompted the weather service to issue a Winter Storm Watch. However that watch was downgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory from Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon for Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, except 3 to 9 inches above 7000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph with 80 to 100 mph gusts along the Sierra crest. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada. Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations 3 to 8 inches above 5,500 feet with 8 to 14 inches above 7,000 feet.
Gusty winds ahead
Winds will increase Tuesday ahead of an approaching cold front. Gusts of 35 to 45 mph are likely in the valleys with gusts up to 55 mph in wind prone locations. Sierra ridgetop gusts may reach 100 mph. Impacts from winds include road travel restrictions due to cross winds especially for high profile vehicles, aviation turbulence and shear, hazardous boating conditions, and patchy blowing dust downwind of dry lake beds. Wind impacts will diminish behind the cold front Tuesday night.
Snow impacts
The first impactful snowfall of the season looks to occur with this storm. Early in the day Tuesday, precipitation will likely start out as snow above 6,000 feet as the main band pushes into northwestern Nevada. Rain or rain/snow mix will be possible below this elevation. While snow levels may rise close to 7,000 feet Tuesday afternoon, they will quickly fall to valley floors by Wednesday morning. Snow showers may continue to impact roadways through early Thursday morning. Be prepared for slow downs and delays with slick roads.
Cold temperatures
The cold airmass will bring the season`s coldest temperatures so far. High temperatures will plummet some 15-20 degrees below average on Wednesday and Thursday, struggling to get out of the 30s in the Sierra valleys and 40s across western Nevada. Brisk, northerly breezes will keep it feeling cold through Thursday afternoon.
Hard freezes are likely, particularly Thursday and Friday mornings as skies clear out. Teens and single digits will be common in Sierra valleys while colder spots like Bridgeport and Bodie may see sub-zero temperatures. The weather service advises people to finish up winter protections for exposed irrigation equipment if you have not done so already.
