Christmas Eve has arrived with a sleigh packed with valley rain, strong winds and heavy mountain snow that will continue through at least Christmas Day, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning for Lake Tahoe and Sierra.
Chances for a White Christmas for Carson City and lower valley areas remain low to uncertain at this time, with snow levels around 5,000 feet, giving the possibility for snow to at least reach the foothills in the region by Thursday.
Heavy mountain poses travel difficulties over passes
Travelers will face difficulties driving over the Sierra today and Thursday, with heavy snow and strong, gusty winds creating hazardous conditions. Motorists can expect slow going and delays over mountain passes, which NWS forecasters say snow amounts will be anywhere between 3 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet and 1 to 2 feet for Lake Tahoe communities.
As of Wednesday morning, chain controls were in place at US-50 over Spooner, State Route 207 over Kingsbury Grade, State Route 431 Mt. Rose Highway and I-80 Donner, from Kingvale (Exit 171) to Donner Lake (Exit 180).
Winds gusting as high as 100 mph are likely along the highest ridges and up to 50 mph in the lower elevations and on Lake Tahoe. Travel and outdoor recreation could be difficult to impossible to impossible, according to NWS forecasters with strong winds creating the potential for extensive damage to trees and power lines.
For those taking to the roads, forecasters advise to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5-1-1. The Winter Storm Warning continues through 10 a.m. Friday.
See NVroads.com and Caltrans here for the latest travel conditions.
Snow levels began to drop overnight and are expected to lower below 6,500 feet through Wednesday evening. For lower valleys, heavy rain is expected below 7,000 feet Wednesday that could lead to ponding of water on roads and minor flood impacts, forecasters said.
Snow chances Christmas Day to Friday
After the first wave moves through Christmas Eve, the next system is close on its heels. By Christmas morning, periods of heavy snow will continue in the Sierra. Snow levels by Thursday afternoon are around 5,000-6,500 feet and by the evening they will be around 5,000 feet, therefore, snow reaching the valley floors Christmas morning Thursday morning remains low to uncertain, according to NWS forecasters.
Heading into Friday, snow levels are possibly as low as the valley floors in western Nevada, but NWS forecaster confidence remains low. The heaviest of the snow will eventually taper off late Friday, with snow showers persisting in the Sierra through mid-day Saturday. As for winds, it’s looking like we will see another uptick in winds in western Nevada by around Midnight tonight through the Christmas afternoon.
Weekend outlook into New Year:
The second system still looks to exit the region by Friday. Temperatures this weekend will finally feel like winter. Highs will be in the 30s to low 20s in the Sierra. Low temperatures will tumble into the single digits in the Sierra to even teens in Western Nevada.
Check back for updates.
