A fast-moving storm system will bring more snow to the Sierra and valley floors region Wednesday into Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, prompting a Winter Weather Advisory for the Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley areas and a Winter Storm Warning for Lake Tahoe and Sierra.
While much less than the most recent storm, another 1 to 2 feet of snowfall is possible in the Sierra, forecasters say. Both the Winter Weather Advisory and the Winter Storm Warning run through 10 a.m. Thursday.
For the lower valley floors, a mix of rain and snow may bring a dusting to an inch of snowfall for far western Nevada areas such as Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Minden and areas north of Highway 50 out into Pershing and Churchill counties.
Forecasters note that the incoming snow may mix with or change to rain at times in and above some valleys, which would limit how much snowfall accumulates.
Several inches of snowfall are possible above around 5,000 feet. Motorists should be prepared for slick driving conditions Wednesday, (mainly above lower valley floors and and slick roads for the Thursday morning commute.
According to forecasters, Snow total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches, with up to 7 inches in some foothill locations with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
Travel will be difficult due to snow and wind. The hazardous conditions could impact Wednesday evening and Thursday morning’s commutes, according to NWS forecasters.
Even lighter snowfall causes major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume. The weather service advises to allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave extra space between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways.
With the system, strong winds could also result in branches falling and localized power outages, NWS forecasters say.
Check the latest road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT. For Carson City area updates see CarsonWeather.com. The latest road conditions can also be made by calling 5 1 1.
The snow will taper to showers Thursday afternoon before ending, but tricky travel will continue Thursday night and Friday, with very cold temperatures leading to freezing of road surfaces again each night into the start of the weekend, NWS forecasters said. Valley inversions reinforced by the expanding snow cover will keep daytime temperatures near or below the mid 30s Friday even with some sun returning.
