National Weather Service: Storms to bring snow to Western Nevada and the Sierra beginning Saturday
Submitted by Brett Fisher on Fri, 03/04/2016 - 1:27pm
A series of moisture-laden storms are forecast to hit Western Nevada and the Sierra beginning Saturday, bringing with them significant snowfall to the mountains and a rain/snow mix to the valleys, the National Weather Service forecast shows.
This series of storms is expected to last into Monday.
Winds are expected to peak Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening with widespread gusts of 45-60 mph. Wind-prone areas of western Nevada could see gusts of 70 mph with Sierra ridgetops receiving wind gusts of 100-120 mph.
Strong crosswinds may affect travel along the 395 corridor with blowing dust possible in western Nevada. Strong winds could also could result in delays or cancellations for air travel. Localized wind damage may include downed trees and powerlines as well. Snow - 2 waves of heavy precipitation will bring rain and heavy snow to the Sierra this weekend. Rain will begin in the Sierra on Friday with rain on and off through Saturday.
Snow levels are expected to start around 8000 to 9000 feet and drop rapidly late Saturday night. The first round of heavy snow is expected late Saturday night through Sunday Morning with a second colder storm expected Sunday night through Monday morning.
Travel over the Sierra will be very challenging Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. Long travel delays should be expected with highway closures possible. Be prepared for the return of winter conditions and plan accordingly.
Multiple upper-level impulses will move into the West Coast along with a plume of moisture from the Pacific through the weekend.
Rain will begin to move on-shore over parts of the Pacific Northwest and Northern/Central California this evening, moving inland to parts of the Northern Intermountain Region and Great Basin by Saturday morning.
Carson City has a 30 percent chance of rain tonight and increasing to 40 perent tomorrow morning with wind gusts up to 25 mph, the weather service forecasts.
Highs for Carson City are forecast for 61 degrees tomorrow ahead of a cold front that is expected to drop temperatures about 20 degrees.
There is an 90 percent chance of rain turning to snow, and back to rain Saturday night into Sunday with snow accummulation of a half-inch or less possible. Winds will be sustained to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
Sunday will see an 80 percent chance of rain or snow followed by a 40 percent chance on Monday. Snow accummulations Sunday night into Monday could be 1 to 2 inches possible. Winds will be sustained to about 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Highs for Sunday and Monday are forecast in the low 40s, and lows for those two days will be in the upper 20s to low 30s.
By Tuesday, weather is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high of about 49 degrees, the weather service reports. Temperatures are expected to gradually increase from there with highs near 60 by Thursday.
Heavy snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada this weekend into Monday with a three-day accumulation of up to 3 or 4 feet, the weather service reports.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Sierras, and strong winds will accompany these systems.
High Wind Warnings are in effect for the region.
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