UPDATE: Light snow began falling in Carson City late this morning as temperatures hovered in the low 30s. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra this afternoon as a strong weather system pushes through the region. The Carson City area can expect plenty of rain from the storm, the first significant storm of the season.
The weather service says snow ill begin late this morning and become heavy at times tonight through Wednesday night. Snow levels will be around 7,000 feet. The sierra can expect up to 2 feet of snow with higher amounts above 7,500 feet, according to the weather service. This storm will be wetter than the previous systems because it will be tapping into subtropical moisture off the southern California coast as shown in the above image on the left.
The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 4 this afternoon until 4 a.m. Thursday morning. In Carson City, rain is in the forecast today through Thursday morning. For more details on the meteorological factors and forecaster thinking, check out the Area Forecast Discussion from the weather service.
Motorists traveling over the Sierra can expect slick and hazardous road condition at the highest passes above 7,500 feet with the potential for slick roadways to extend down to lower passes in heavier snow bands. Motorists are urged to carry tire chains, allow extra travel time and carry food, water, blankets and a flashlight.
For road conditions call 1-800-427-7623 for California and 1-877-NV-Roads for Nevada. You can also check road conditions online for Nevada and California. If you have plans to travel back across the Sierra at the end of the holiday weekend or early next week be sure to check the latest forecast at weather.gov/Reno and check road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT.
