Carson City area weather: Valley rain, Sierra snow and gusty winds ahead
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 10:46am
A series of storms will move into the Carson City region Monday through Thursday bringing periods of gusty winds, valley rain and Sierra snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Winds will begin to increase across Sierra ridges overnight, increasing in valleys Monday afternoon. Gusts of 30 to 45 mph are likely, with locally stronger winds in wind prone locations along US-395 and I-580. Winds will remain gusty on Tuesday and Wednesday as well. The winds may bring travel difficulties for high profile vehicles along with turbulence for aviation, according to the weather service.
Several inches of snow accumulation is possible on Sierra roads Monday afternoon and again Monday night into Tuesday morning. While additional rain and snow is likely during the day Monday and Tuesday, roads will be warm enough to negate snow accumulation. Spillover into western Nevada appears to be more limited, but
periods of rain and higher elevation snow are possible.
The greater concern is the stronger storm for Tuesday night into Wednesday night with widespread travel impacts likely in the Sierra and northeast California due to snow, according to the weather service, which has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Tuesday evening through Thursday morning.
This colder storm is likely to have higher snowfall rates, which will increase the chances for snow accumulation on roadways in the Sierra during the day. Snow levels look to be between 5,000 to 6,000 feet, though could drop further in heavier bursts of snow.
The total potential snow accumulations range from 8 to 16 inches below 7,000 feet, up to 2 feet above 7,000 feet with localized amounts up to 3 feet along the crest possible. Winds could gust as high as 80 mph across Sierra ridges and up to 40 mph in valley locations.
The weather service advises travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. And strong winds associated with the storms could cause extensive tree damage. For travel information see NVRoads.com or call 511.
This storm will mainly bring periods of moderate rain to lower valley locations. There is an increased concern for rises on creeks, streams, and terminal lakes, along with spot flooding in flood prone locations due to ponding of water.
Be sure to clear drains and secure any loose outdoor items today before the weather deteriorates for the remainder of the week.
