Carson City area weather: Rain with chance of snow showers this morning prompts advisory
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 01/05/2023 - 7:50am
Rain with a chance of snow showers hovering around 5,000 feet is expected through Thursday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Weather Advisory for the greater Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley region and a Winter Storm Warning for the Lake Tahoe area.
A narrow band is pushing through western Nevada this morning, with rain falling in Carson City and in the lower valleys with a mixture of rain and snow in the higher elevations, according to weather service forecasters.
The rain and snow mix may cause commute issues this morning, especially in the foothills and Sierra, the NWS cautions. Snowfall amounts ranging from 0 to 2 inches for valley floors, with 2 to 3 inches for areas above 5,000 feet including foothills and Virginia City. A light glaze of ice is possible as well, according to the weather service.
As for lower valleys, forecaster confidence is low that the snow level will drop below 5,000 feet this morning.
"We're looking at the foothill areas, hovering around 5,000 feet, for the chance of snow," said NWS meteorologist Dawn Johnson. "We're looking at steady precipitation through 9 a.m., tapering off to showers later in the day."
Motorists should plan on slippery road conditions, especially if driving above 5,000 feet. The highest risks for snow and ice are in the foothills above Carson Valley, Carson City, Washoe Valley, Virginia City and Reno North Valleys areas. The heaviest rain and snow are expected through 9 a.m. before tapering off to showers. Lowest valleys below 5,000 feet may only see a rain/snow mix with little if any accumulation.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 511 or going to NVroads.com.
An active weather pattern will remain over the region with additional storms this weekend and next week.
"We will be seeing a brief break on Friday followed by a weak system Saturday, a moderate winter storm on Sunday and a stronger atmospheric river to bring rain and snow to the area Monday and Tuesday," said Johnson.
Meanwhile, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Friday for the greater Lake Tahoe area. Heavy snow is expected with additional snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, except 10 to 20 inches above 7,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 100 mph along Sierra ridges with gusts to 40 mph into the Tahoe Basin. Wave heights of 2 to 4 feet on Lake Tahoe.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute, according to the weather service. Strong winds could bring down tree branches.
Lowest valleys in the Tahoe Basin are still seeing a rain snow mix this morning. Some areas such as the Truckee area was seeing rain at around 6:30 a.m. with portions of South Lake Tahoe getting snow. Additional snow showers will continue into the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon and evening. Snow will begin to taper off overnight.
