Carson City area weather: Heavy snow, wind and cold to continue this week
Another winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, wind and cold temperatures to the Carson City area and surrounding counties through Wednesday with several inches of snow expected for the lower valleys and snow measured in feet in the higher elevations above Lake Tahoe.
For the greater Reno, Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, the National Weather Service says there will be periods of light snow Sunday afternoon into the overnight, with the heavy snow arriving Monday afternoon with anywhere from 4 to 8 inches possible in the lower valleys and as much as 8 to 16 inches in the foothills above 5,000 feet.
Travel could be difficult with hazardous road conditions likely impacting morning and evening commutes. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. With the expectation of heavy snow, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the the Carson City area and surrounding counties from Monday afternoon to late Tuesday night.
Forecasters urge residents to prepare vehicle and homes for the storms coming advising to carry tire chains, extra food, water and clothing. Once the storm arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period of time. Gusty winds also increases the chance of power outages. People are advised to bring in their pets, have flashlights and candles and to have their cell phones charged.
Lake Tahoe and Sierra
Meanwhile, travel is not recommended at Lake Tahoe, which is under a rare Blizzard Warning as well as a Winter Storm Warning.
The warnings are effective 10 a.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Wednesday. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected with accumulations of anywhere between 2 to 6 feet above 7,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph with over 100 mph along Sierra ridgetops, NWS forecasters said.
Travel could be impossible with near zero visibility at times Monday through early Wednesday morning. Strong winds could cause tree damage and power outages. If you risk travel you could become stranded in vehicles for hours, forecasters advise.
Avoid travel if possible, you could be stuck in your vehicle for many hours. If you must travel, prepare for long delays and carry an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing. If you stay home, have a backup plan in case of power outages.
"This is a life threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel during blizzard conditions! Road crews and first responders may not be able to rescue you. Stay indoors until the snow and wind subside. Even a short walk could be deadly if you become disoriented," according to the weather service in its blizzard warning writeup.
See NVroads.com for the latest road conditions or call 511. Check back for updates.